The final stages of digital switchover in the Scottish borders was completed yesterday afternoon, November 20. It sees digital terrestrial television being extended to households served by the Selkirk group of transmitters. The remainder of the Border region will switch in 2009.
BBC One, ITV 1, Channel 4 and Five were switched off at 00:01 on Thursday morning, following the switch-off of the BBC Two signal on November 6. Transmission company Arqiva said the process had been a “technical success”.
John Askew, Regional Manager of switchover body Digital UK said residents could feel proud to be leading the UK, “The technical task has gone well but, of course, some people will still need a bit of extra help. We and the Switchover Help Scheme will remain on hand in the weeks ahead to offer advice and
practical support to those who may need it.”
DTT reception is being extended from 51% to 98% of households in the area, though residents served by relay transmitters will only be able to receive 20 of the 40 plus channels available on the Freeview system.