ALL LICENCE PAYERS DESERVE THE SAME QUALITY OF SERVICE - SMITH

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Jul 2009

Liberal Democrat Culture spokesperson and North East Fife MSP Iain Smith has challenged the First Minister to do more to make sure that quality of digital programme reception is the same for the whole of Scotland.

Mr Smith's calls come after the Consumer Focus Scotland review of the digital switchover in the Borders highlighted that many people were 'deeply unhappy about receiving a reduced service.'

Commenting after First Minister's Questions, Mr Smith said:

"The First Minister completely failed to answer my question on this serious issue. The current level of digital television service in Scotland is simply unacceptable.

"Nearly half of all homes in the Borders receive a reduced digital TV service. My constituents in Cupar have for years suffered from a reduced service with no access to Five or Freeview.

"All license payers pay the same amount and deserve the same quality of service.

"Ministers must make sure that any surplus from the digital levy goes to equipping relay transmitters to improve the quality of digital programme reception for the whole of Scotland."