Billions Spent By Viewers On Digital TV

People in the UK spend more than £4 billion each year on digital and satellite TV packages as the drive to phase out the old analogue broadcasting technology gathers pace, according to new research.

A study from a well known comparison website also found that one in four users are not happy with the service they receive and many are furious with the operators. The research found that nearly three million new customers opted for digital television packages last year. Nearly nine out of ten homes have now gone digital.

O-f viewers surveyed nearly a third said they were satisfied customers of Virgin Media, while three quarters of those with Sky were happy.
However, Virgin was seen as better value for money than Sky. The reason for this is likely to be related to the higher monthly premium demanded by Sky.

A communications expert at the company remarked that both firms still have catching up to do when it comes to customer service. Three-quarters of those who used Freeview, the non-subscription digital terrestrial service, said they got value for money.

"Sky and Virgin will have quite a challenge on their hands convincing customers to part with their hard-earned cash whilst expecting them to accept the current levels of customer service on offer," he said.

The availability of 'free' services has received a boost with the launch of Freesat... with a one-off cost for the set-up and a box; consumers will no doubt see these services as offering greater value for money when compared to the traditional monthly subscriptions offered by Sky and Virgin. Cash- strapped customers are also likely to be enticed by the television content delivered via broadband that is often free.

The digital TV switchover is Government policy. It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial (Freeview).

Benefits of going digital – there will be a greater choice of TV channels, new features for people with visual and audio impairments and optional additional channels and services including premium channels (e.g movies, sports), broadband and telephony.

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