Although digital TV switchover won’t happen in the midlands until 2011,
Michael Fabricant has heard of a number of cases where elderly and
vulnerable people have been conned into buying unnecessary and expensive
outdoor aerial systems by cowboy contractors. "I first heard about this
when my constituent, Ray Bridge, contacted me and I have since heard of
many other cases" says Michael Fabricant. "Ray Bridge is an approved
aerial contractor and he has told me that on numerous visits he has had
to remove monstrous high priced installations and replace them with more
moderately priced systems that work.

"Although the existing analogue TV service will be available up until
2011 in the Central ITV area, it is worth going digital for all the
extra free TV channels. But usually, existing outdoor aerials will work
just fine. But after 2011, the analogue signal will be switched off so
if you haven’t made provision to receive digital television, you will
get no TV at all."

To find out what the Government is doing to protect consumers from
unscrupulous contractors, Michael contacted Gareth Thomas who is the
Government Minister for Trade at the new Department of Business,
Enterprise & Regulatory Reform – what used to be called the Department
of Trade and Industry.

Gareth Thomas has now written back to Michael Fabricant saying:-

One very helpful step consumers can take is to report any instances of
rogue installation work to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Or, in
Staffordshire to Staffordshire County Council Consumer Services, 14
Martin Street, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 2LG t: 01785 277888 f:
01785 259760

Despite the range of actions Government and Industry are taking, there
will Inevitably be some occurrences of rogue trading. We are working
closely with the Police and Trading Standards to ensure the importance
of this issue is understood. and that prompt action is taken where any
cases are identified. In May, for example, we and Digital UK hosted a
public protection forum on digital switchover, which was attended by
Trading Standards, the Registered Digital lnstaller (RDI) Licensing
Body and the two trade associations for the aerial industry.

In order to provide recognition of trustworthy and competent aerial
installers, we launched an industry-wide scheme last year – the RDI
Scheme. RDI accreditation is based on NVQ qualification, public
liability insurance and a successful criminal records check. The Scheme
is being promoted heavily by Digital UK, the not-for-profit organisation
set up by the public service broadcasters to lead the implementation of
switchover, within the aerial industry and to consumers as a key way of
identifying reliable aerial installers. I understand that Mr Bridge is
one of the first installers to gain RDI accreditation in the Lichfield
area, and the RDI Licensing Body is working to ensure that many more
follow.

Ofcom predicts that 5-10% of households will need to upgrade their
roof-top aerial if they are to receive digital terrestrial signals at
switchover. Digital UK’s communications will help consumers to identify
if they fall within this group. For example, consumers are advised to
consult Teletext page 284, as this provides an indication of whether
they are able to receive a good TV signal through their current aerial
installation and, in Whitehaven, Digital UK are trialling the use of
hand-held signal strength testers.

For those who we expect to face the most difficulty in making the switch
to digital TV – those aged 75 and over, having a significant disability,
or registered blind or partially sighted – a Digital Switchover Help
Scheme has been established to provide practical support. This will
include support with aerial installations where appropriate, with work
undertaken by RDls.