MP criticises digital TV contract

The help scheme will be available to older people and those with disabilities

A decision to award a contract for the digital switchover help scheme to Sky has been criticised by a Borders MP.

Michael Moore criticised the contract awarded by the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme, designed to aid elderly and disabled people change to digital tv.

The Borders will be the UK's first full region to switch over, later this year.

The Lib Dem MP said Sky had been given an unprecedented marketing opportunity. The head of the scheme said Sky's bid represented the best value for money.

The Help Scheme, which was set up by the UK government, aims to make the digital switchover easier for older and disabled people by converting one of their televisions to digital in the run-up to the switchover.

Individuals aged 75 or over, or who are eligible for certain benefits, will be offered digital satellite equipment fully installed by Sky, at a subsidised cost of �40, or free for some people.

The equipment will give them access to more than 200 free-to-view television and radio channels without subscription.

Mr Moore said neutral organisations should be involved in the help scheme

At the end of this time, they will be able to opt in to Sky's subscription packages if they wish.

All those who are eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme can also choose from other digital options, some of which cost extra.

Mr Moore, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said this gave Sky an advantage: "What it fundamentally does take away is the idea that the transfer to digital television is done on a neutral basis, without any particular choice between the different television platforms.

"This is giving Sky an unprecedented marketing opportunity to some of people who are the most vulnerable in our Borders' communities."

'No obligation'

Mr Moore acknowledged that Freeview would be available as an alternative, but he added: "They will get the box - and not the installation - free of charge.

"They'll have to pay to get that further assistance and that seems to me absolutely crazy.

"To have a platform-neutral way of doing this would allow people to choose between each of the providers and have an independent person to decide who's going to install it."

However, Tony Noakes, chief operating officer of the Switchover Help Scheme, insisted the decision-making process was fair.

"The Help Scheme chose Sky as the standard offer because it represents best value for money and a high-quality service for eligible people," he said.

"Everybody who chooses the Help Scheme will get clear information that the Sky option is a free to view offer with no obligation to take up subscription services at any point.

"People using the Help Scheme in Scottish Borders will be free to choose from a range of other ways of going digital."

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