DIGITAL TV ANSWERS SOUGHT FROM MINISTER
March 21, 2011
An urgent response has been sought from the Minister responsible for the Digital TV Switchover over poor reception and signal coverage across the far East Gippsland region.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has asked the Minister to intervene and address serious concerns from residents in the Orbost, Marlo, Cann River and Mallacoota communities.
Mr Chester is also supporting calls from the Orbost Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to implement measures to provide a more reliable digital television signal.
“The quality of reception is inadequate in many home across far East Gippsland with a growing number of people raising their concerns about the rollout of digital TV,” Mr Chester said.
“I have asked the Minister to urgently consider measures recommended by the Orbost Chamber of Commerce and Industry which could help to alleviate some of the concerns.”
The OCCI has recommended:
* All local residents should be eligible to receive Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST).
* Local residents who require VAST should be able to apply for the Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) or Satellite Subsidy Scheme (SSS).
* The current March 31, 2011, deadline for SSS applications for local residents should be extended.
The installation of VAST costs in excess of $600. The HAS covers the full cost of satellite and installation for those receiving full welfare entitlements such as pensioners. Those who use the SSS get a $400 government rebate and only pay $200.
Mr Chester said it was important that residents in larger communities where analogue coverage had been adequate, like Orbost, were not left significantly out of pocket to access digital television.
“There are some measures in place to help residents in remote areas to switch to digital television, but many far East Gippsland households are unable to access the VAST system or other subsidies,” Mr Chester said.
“Residents in these communities such as Orbost and Mallacoota should not be significantly out of pocket to access digital television and the Minister must make VAST and the subsidies available to all residents experiencing inadequate digital reception.”
