'Unfair' digital switchover scheme criticised

The chairman of the Government -appointed consumer expert group on digital switchover has spoken out against the current form of the digital switchover help scheme, which assists eligible applicants with switching to digital TV.

In June, Sky won the contract to provide licence fee-subsidised set top boxes to the older and disabled people eligible for the scheme's help. The scheme pays Sky to provide and install its digiboxes to help scheme participants for £40.

The satellite pay TV operator also provides them with free access to the Sky+ PVR and some subscription channels for two months; after the period, customers are given the option to subscribe or revert to a basic box.

The awarding of the contract to Sky was criticised by Borders MP Michael Moore, who said that it "is not clear why the taxpayer should underpin the marketing efforts of a savvy international corporation in this way".

Today, the chairman of the Government-appointed consumer expert group on switchover, Leen Petre, told The Guardian: "The Department for Culture, Media and Sport agreement that governs the help scheme urgently has to be reviewed. The help scheme should not open the floodgates for marketing practices and advertising of additional products or services to older and disabled consumers which can leave them stressed and confused."

Danny Churchill, joint chairman of the Digital Television Supply Chain Group - a coalition of equipment manufacturers, retailers and aerial installers, added: "It is inappropriate for the scheme to select as standard such a confusing commercial deal, when it is geared to encourage vulnerable customers to opt for a potentially confusing or costly installation."

Sky said that it makes the various options available to consumers clear. A spokesperson said that it "is committed to making the help scheme a success in the Border region", and the scheme's chief operating officer previously said that it offers "clear information".