Freeview says switchover to cost a billion

net1

Freeview, the UK's digital terrestrial platform operator, is reportedly set to tell ministers that the cost of digital switchover to consumers could be as high as £1bn.

According to The Guardian, research conducted for the broadcaster by TNS revealed 29% of Freeview householders had to spend an extra £80 to £100 for aerial upgrades.

The Guardian says that 29% contrasts sharply with the 10% figure published by a government and industry body advising on switchover.

"This 29% figure is significant because it implies that converting to digital is not going to be as straightforward or as cheap as the Government thought," a Freeview spokeswoman is quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, broadcasting minister Lord McIntosh told a conference yesterday that a new cost-benefit analysis of digital switchover had indicated greater financial benefits to Britain than previously forecast. The analysis is expected to be published soon.