RBH is 'getting set' for the Digital TV switchover

RBH Logo

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is making good progress with upgrade works before the Digital TV switchover in Nov 2009, when the existing analogue signals will be switched off.

RBH Digital TV installer ‘ABCA Systems’ started the works to the sheltered housing flats in August and by the end of October had already completed Arnold Bagnall Court, Fieldway, Falinge Mews, Moss Row and Isherwood Court. ABCA are visiting each scheme before work starts to introduce themselves to the tenants.

RBH is also setting up a web page to provide information on the switchover and where and when our upgrade works will take place. Further details about this will be forthcoming.

At a recent Sheltered Housing Partnership (SHIP) meeting, Marion Ellidge, a tenant from Arnold Bagnall Court who has first hand
experience of the upgrade works told RBH: “ABCA delivered a first rate service. We were surprised how quickly they carried out the installations with minimum fuss and inconvenience to residents in the scheme.”

For tenants outside the upgrade works who have single aerials, ABCA have offered to do a test and install a new digital aerial where necessary, for a cost of £70. The test itself is free if you go on to install a digital aerial, but there will be a nominal charge of £10.50 for the
engineer’s visit if it is found you do not need an upgrade.

If you want to take up this offer please contact ABCA on tel: 01204 399422.

The Office of Communications (Ofcom) however has advised that less than seven per cent of homes across the UK will actually need an aerial upgrade. Please be cautious if approached by anyone who may call at your door advising that a new aerial is needed. You should only approach companies who are from the Confederation of Aerial Installation Companies (CAI) or a Registered Digital Installer (RDI).

If you would like details on the Switchover help scheme you can call 0800 408 5900 or visit: 

• www.helpscheme.co.uk

The government will send details to those who qualify within 6 – 8 months of the switchover. Digital UK will send out leaflets in the Granada region.

Digital UK, is the not for profit organisation implementing the UK’s switch to digital television. Digital UK was set up by the public-service
broadcasters and offers independent switchover advice to the public through its helpline (0845 6 50 50 50) and
website:

• www.digitaluk.co.uk