§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people in the Bridgwater constituency do not have access to digital television. [186499]
§ Estelle MorrisDigital television in the UK can be accessed through Satellite, Cable or Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
The BBC calculate that, of the 40,800 households in the Bridgwater constituency, around 19 per cent. (7,600) do not have access to DTT services (including Freeview). Therefore 81 per cent. (33,200) of households should be able to receive DTT from either the Mendip or Stockland Hill transmitter, compared with 73 per cent. nationwide.
According to Ofcom figure Digital Satellite television is available to the vast majority (96–98 per cent.) of households in the UK. Unfortunately, it is not possible to give a breakdown of Digital Satellite coverage in individual areas.
Digital Cable is not currently available to any households in the Bridgewater constituency.