26 August 2005
Trade union GMB says that the switch from analogue to digital TV should not mean analogue has to be turned off permanently.
GMB members have found that digital TV signals are still very patchy in all regions of the UK, and people who have spent £250 or more on digital TV are angry that the government intends to do away with analogue services for good.
The GMB executive is asking the government to alter it plans for a permanent change and describe it as an "aspiration" instead. The analogue signal would then be left on.
As they stand at present, government plans envisage turning off the analogue signal and going digital ob a region-by-region basis between 2008 and 2012.
Paul Kenny, GMB acting general secretary, said in a statement: "Unless and until there is a drastic improvement in the [digital] signal's quality and reliability there can be no question of turning off the analogue signal.
"There should be a lot more pilots projects before any concrete plans are made."
Get the best deal and save money comparing digital TV suppliers and packages at uSwitch.com