§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the population are able to access Freeview; and what steps she is taking to speed up the availability of Freeview. [189442]
§ Estelle MorrisAt present around 73 per cent. of UK households can access Digital Terrestrial Television services. This figure cannot be increased before Switchover.
The Government are committed to ensuring that at Digital Switchover everyone who can currently get the main public service broadcasting channels in analogue form (BBC1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4/S4C and Five) can receive them on digital systems.
Much progress has been made in the discussions between the Government, Ofcom and the Public Service Broadcasters and while the broadcasters have not reached a full consensus on the optimum timetable, some—including the BBC—have suggested that 2012 may be the most appropriate date for the completion of Switchover. This has been reflected in the draft Digital Replacement Licences, which Ofcom have issued for Channels 3, 5 and Teletext.