Sky Wins Deal To Aid Digital Switchover

BskyB will be given licence fee money to supply low-cost set top boxes for older and disabled people in the first digital switchover region.

The Digital Switchover Help Scheme has confirmed it will be handing the cash to Sky after it secured the SHS contract, seeing off competition from Freesat, according to a report by the Guardian.

Cumbria and the Scottish borders will be the first region in the UK to switch completely to digital television, which is due to kick start in the area in November and likely to end by June next year.

Sky will be responsible for providing and installing the digital satellite receiver equipment for a subsidised cost or for free in some cases.

Customers will also receive extra Sky TV channels and the Sky+ digital recording service for two months free of charge but will have the option to just get the free TV and radio services they offer after this.

David Scott, chief executive of Digital UK, said: “I welcome the announcement by the Switchover Help Scheme, which provides a vital safety net for eligible viewers who need assistance making the transition to digital television. It will play a crucial role in ensuring that the switchover goes smoothly for viewers in the Border TV region.”

The DSHS tendering process is due to be repeated for switchover in each region around the UK, which means the deal with Sky will only be valid for the ITV Border Region.

This comes less than a month after it was reported that nine out of 10 homes in the UK already have digital services but more than 1 in 4 customers were unhappy with the service (see Digital TV Disappoints Customers).

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com