§ Mr. RowlandsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of relay stations which will require alteration to deliver digital terrestrial signals to 95 per cent. of households. [94445]
§ Janet AndersonThe Independent Television Commission and the BBC are jointly responsible for the provision of digital terrestrial television services in the UK. They are considering, in consultation with the digital broadcasters, the Government, and other interested parties, how to develop the coverage of digital television throughout the UK so that the 99.4 per cent. of consumers who currently receive analogue television can receive the main free-to-air channels digitally.
616WNo estimate is yet available of the number of relay stations which may be required in respect of digital terrestrial signals. The Government have indicated separately that they want to make sure that 95 per cent. of consumers have access to digital equipment before analogue switch-over is completed.