BRUCE IN BID TO ENSURE FREEVIEW SERVICES FOR ALL

3.07.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Mar 2005

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce is stepping up the campaign to ensure that Freeview -the digital television service partly provided by the BBC- is available across the whole of Aberdeenshire.

Mr Bruce, who has been approached by numerous constituents who cannot receive the service because of a poor terrestrial signal, commented:

"I was disappointed, but not surprised to learn of the problems some local people are having accessing Freeview in parts of Aberdeenshire. I cannot access it at my own home.

"Currently the only available option in these areas is to subscribe to a satellite service in order to view additional channels. It is extremely unfair that people are receiving a lesser service simply because of where they live.

"BBC Scotland have stated that no additional analogue transmitters will be installed ahead of the digital switchover, which the Government estimate could begin as early as next year and be completed by 2010. The implication of this is that those non satellite viewers in areas with a patchy terrestrial signal could be left with no access to a television picture."

"Clearly this would be an unacceptable situation and I have written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport seeking her assurances that the analogue signal will not be switched off until all areas are able to receive an adequate digital Freeview signal or alternative.

"As things stand, I believe if the Government goes ahead with the analogue switch off as proposed, large parts of rural Scotland will be left without a service. Even if people were provided with free satellite connections, there will be still areas who can receive neither."

Mr Bruce continued:

"In addition, TV licence holders should not be forced to wait for the "digital switchover" to access freeview and I will also be pressing the Minister to ensure that the current signal is strengthened in parts of Aberdeenshire in order to provide an adequate interim solution."