§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of repeater stations will be digitalised; and where they will be located. [118615]
§ Janet AndersonThe current digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmission plan comprises 81 transmitter sites of which 30 are relay stations. Details of these stations have already been placed on CD-ROM in the Libraries of both Houses. No decisions have been taken as to the number or location of any additional relays to be incorporated into the DTT transmission plan.
§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what provisions will be made for television viewers in the non-digitalised catchment areas when the analogue system is phased out. [118616]
§ Janet AndersonBefore analogue switch-over takes place, all viewers who currently receive the main free to air channels must be able to receive these channels digitally. We will be looking carefully at all the options for delivering digital services to the home to ensure that this condition is met.
§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the analogue switch-off will be permitted. [118617]
§ Janet AndersonThe analogue signal will be fully switched to digital when the three tests which the Government have set—relating to availability, affordability and take-up—have been met. Under the availability test, all viewers who can receive analogue television now (99.4 per cent.) must be able to receive the main free-to-air channels digitally; under the take-up test, 95 per cent. of consumers must have a digital receiver in the home; and under the affordability test the switch to digital must be within reach of people on low or fixed incomes. The Government expect the tests to be met between 2006 and 2010.