Arqiva statement on Emley Moor delays

Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV 18th June 2010 at 22:23

Thank you for your email. We fully understand your annoyance and frustration at the lengthened timescale for the antenna work at Emley Moor. Ideally this would not have intruded into the World Cup period, but unforeseen issues have arisen with this complex work being undertaken at great height. It is vital that the work is completed this summer while the weather and daylight permit maximum progress. The on-site contractors are trying to recover as much time as possible, but we are always at the mercy of inclement weather or working restrictions imposed by the broadcasters. The delay at Emley Moor has nothing to do with the recent fire at Oxford.

The Digital Switch Over project continues relentlessly around the country, within a strict overall schedule. So far we have met all switchover deadlines and final completion dates, and expect this to continue.

Although we are striving to minimise disruption to viewers during the DSO project, with terrestrial broadcasting there are no absolute guarantees. We do of course have contractual service levels with the broadcasters and all work affecting transmissions is agreed in advance, including the use of reserve antennas which can affect coverage in some areas. It is impossible for us to replace the existing analogue and low-power digital networks with a new high-power digital network without disruption for some viewers, for which we sincerely apologise. Strictly speaking, the licence fee is a permit for the operation of receiving equipment and not a payment for a level of service. Compensation for viewers does not fall within Arqiva's remit.

I hope this goes some way to explaining our position, and that you and other viewers affected by this major engineering upgrade will bear with us while we complete the task as soon as possible.

With kind regards, Bruce Randall
Corporate Communications Manager
Arqiva