Swansea set for the big digital switchover

Swansea Council is helping thousands of its residents get set for the next phase of the digital TV switchover that happens on Wednesday September 9.

The Council is continuing to provide residents with vital links to information on getting equipped for the switchover and is offering consumer advice on how to not fall foul of rogue traders playing on the switchover issues.

For many local residents switchover started on August 12 when analogue BBC2 was switched off and replaced by the BBC digital Multiplex. On September 9 all analogue signals will stop permanently and will be replaced by high power digital signals.

This area is in the forefront of digital switchover in Wales because the majority of households are served by the Kilvey Hill transmitter group.

The Council's Corporate Building Services team has been working to equip 1,630 dwellings in sheltered complexes and in accommodation which has a communal aerial.

Where residents have individual aerials it's their responsibility to make any adjustments they need but housing officers are providing people with information on how to get in touch with DigitalUK- the body responsible for guiding people through the switchover.

Swansea Council's Corporate Building Services Facilities Management and Social Services teams have also been working to ensure the Council's residential and day care facilities are ready for switchover.

Swansea Trading Standards Officers are on alert to protect people from rogue traders who may try to cash in on the switchover.

Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: "While DigitalUk is the organisation leading the switchover Swansea Council is doing what it can to help its residents.

"I would urge people to check how they will be affected and when. Our teams are working hard to meet the deadline for some of our most vulnerable residents."

Freeview, Top Up TV and BT vision viewers will have to retune their equipment through this process.

Those with satellite or cable on all their TV sets will not be affected.

The geography of the area means that some homes in Swansea take their signals from other transmitter groups- especially Wenvoe which feeds the relay at Upper Killay in the west of Swansea and will be switching in March 2010.

DigitalUK is the organisation leading the switchover but Swansea Council is also providing information and assistance to support its residents.

To find out more about the digital switchover go to www.digitaluk.co.uk or contact 08456 505050.