MPs concerns over 'HD for all'

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell is facing mounting pressure to intervene in an Ofcom consultation, to ensure high definition TV services are eventually made available for free-to-air viewers, not just those paying for subscription services.

MPs from all parties have expressed concern over Ofcom's proposed auctioning off of the remaining spectrum, meaning that not enough will be left for public service broadcasters like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, to provide their own high definition television services.

Ofcom claims the PSBs will be able to broadcast up to five HD channels on the digital terrestrial TV platform, but many believe this is only possible if the number of channels and services are reduced.

Led by Labour’s John Grogan, MPs have tabled a Commons motion calling on Jowell to act to ensure that "digital switchover is not undermined by the prospect of millions of television viewers, who either cannot afford, or do not want to receive, television by satellite being consigned to a second class service by requiring Ofcom to provide a fair allocation of spectrum for HD on Freeview".

For more in depth coverage on this subject, look out for our Weekend Spy section this Sunday.