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News release
16th June 2008
Switchover Help Scheme unveils digital options for eligible older and disabled people in the first switchover region
After a formal process, the Switchover Help Scheme has appointed Sky to supply the lowest cost practical help for eligible older and disabled people to switch to digital TV in the ITV Border region. This is the first time the Switchover Help Scheme has unveiled the options available for eligible households across a whole region.
The Switchover Help Scheme was set up by the Government and is run by the BBC. Its purpose is to make digital TV easy for older and disabled people by converting one of their televisions to digital in the run-up to switchover in their region. People will be offered the help if they are aged 75 or over, or eligible for certain disability benefits. The ITV Border region will be the first in the UK to switch completely to digital TV, starting on November 6 this year and completing the process by June 2009.
Eligible people in the ITV Border region will be offered digital satellite equipment fully installed by Sky on one of their TVs, at a subsidised cost of £40, or free for eligible people who also get income benefits. The equipment will give them access to more than 200 free-to-view television and radio channels without subscription. As part of the agreement, Sky will deliver the high standard of specialist service required by the Help Scheme to meet the diverse needs of older and disabled people new to digital TV.
People who choose this option will get extra Sky TV channels and the Sky+ digital recording service for two months without charge. At the end of this time, they will be able to opt in to Sky's pay TV packages if they wish. But if they don't want to receive the extra channels, they don't have to do anything, and they will still continue to get all the free digital television and radio channels offered by Sky (currently more than 200).
All those who are eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme can also choose from other digital options, some of which cost extra. They include a range of Freeview equipment, Top Up TV and freesat from ITV and BBC. A Freeview box which is easy to install can be delivered at no extra charge, and for those needing help, installation or an aerial upgrade are also available from the Help Scheme for a fixed price. All options and prices are clearly set out in an information pack which will be sent direct to each eligible person's home.
The Help Scheme determines the most cost effective option in each successive switchover region, following a process set out in the Scheme Agreement between the Government and the BBC. Switchover Help Scheme service provider eaga plc subcontracts to the provider of the most cost effective option. The process is designed to ensure that the Help Scheme is good value for money and platform neutral, and that it matches the rigorous service standards set out to meet the needs of Help Scheme eligible people. The current options have been chosen just for ITV Border and the process will be repeated for switchover in each ITV region.
Press contact:
John Blewett or Rachael Richards, Luther Pendragon, 020 7618 9188
Notes to editors:
Standard offer:
The process for establishing the standard offer, or "most cost effective option", is set out in the Scheme Agreement between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the BBC. Standard offer equipment must meet the Help Scheme's usability requirements and the service provider commits to the Help Scheme's Code of Service Standards.
Digital switchover
The process of digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, TV region by TV region. The exception is the area around Whitehaven, Cumbria, which became the first place to switch in October 2007.
The timetable is as follows:
| Region | Switchover |
| Border | 2008-2009 |
| West Country, Granada | 2009 |
| Wales | 2009 - 2010 |
| West, STV North | 2010 |
| STV Central | 2010 - 2011 |
| Central, Yorkshire, Anglia | 2011 |
| Meridian | 2011 - 2012 |
| London, Tyne Tees, Ulster | 2012 |
In the Border region, the Selkirk transmitter and its 11 relays serving Scottish Borders, starts switchover on 6 November. The process will be complete by 20 November 2008.
The Caldbeck and Kendal transmitters and with 46 relays serving Cumbria and South West Scotland, switch between April and June 2009. The Douglas transmitter area and its 9 relays serving the Isle of Man, switches between April and June 2009
eaga
eaga, a leading provider of residential energy efficiency and outsourcing services, has been selected by the BBC as the Help Scheme service provider to deliver the help available under the scheme from the ITV Border region onwards.
From a base as the leading deliverer of the Government's fuel poverty programmes, eaga's services are underpinned by over 15 years experience of dealing with the most vulnerable groups in society. See www.eaga.com.
ENDS