Cumbrian town makes broadcasting history

9:51am Wednesday 17th October 2007

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Whitehaven made broadcasting history this morning, becoming the first town in the UK to start switching to digital-only television services.

An initial group of five digital terrestrial channels started broadcasting at 2.37am. Following the second stage of switchover in four weeks' time (Nov 14), a total of 20 Freeview channels will be available to 25,000 homes in the Cumbrian town and surrounding communities.

Ford Ennals, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: "This is a big day for Whitehaven and for UK broadcasting. Switchover is a complex engineering project and I'm delighted that after many years of planning, the first stage went well. For thousands of households, today delivers a first taste of the additional choice and interactivity that digital television provides. In just four weeks' time, their old four channel terrestrial line up will have been fully replaced with 20 free channels and digital radio."

The first Freeview channels are being broadcast using airwaves freed up by turning off the BBC Two analogue signal. The first digital services are BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC News 24 and CBBC. A further 15 channels, including ITV and Channel 4 digital services, will replace the remaining analogue services from November 14. The same process will be followed region by region across the UK from 2008-2012 extending coverage of Freeview channels to 98.5% of households, up from 73% today.

Mr Ennals added: "This is just the first stage of switchover. Our research suggests more than nine out of ten households are ready'. We know some have yet to convert their analogue television sets to digital. Others may need help, advice or practical assistance installing or getting used to using new equipment. Our priority today and in the coming weeks will be to remind late converters of the final deadline on November 14 and making sure plenty of help is available."

Digital UK Help Centres at four locations across the Whitehaven switchover area will continue today, providing advice and practical assistance. So far this week, hundreds of people have visited the centres, run in partnership with Age Concern Northwest Cumbria.

The Digital Switchover Help Scheme, established to provide help to people over 75 or with a disability, has so far received more than 2,000 requests for help with equipment and installation assistance for digital switchover.

Peter White, Chief Executive of the Help Scheme said: "The Digital Switchover Help Scheme is here to provide practical support to the over 75s and people with disabilities, and I'm pleased that we have been able to help so many people.

"This is the first area to receive assistance through the Digital Switchover Help Scheme. Our team has been receiving positive feedback from residents on the help they are providing, and we will continue to help eligible people and ensure they have a smooth transition to the digital age. For anyone living in Copeland who has yet to apply to the scheme, and who is eligible, we urge you to do so as soon as possible to ensure you are ready for the final switchover on November 14."