Minister calls on RESPONSE

Wednesday, 12 March 2008 00:00

Scotland Officer Minister of State, David Cairns, visits RESPONSE.

David Cairns, Scotland Office Minister of State, recently visited customer contact centre RESPONSE’s operations in Glasgow to see first hand how the UK is gearing up for  the digital switchover.

RESPONSE is handling the customer helpline on behalf of Digital UK, an independent organisation set up by the main UK broadcasters to ensure that viewers across the country know when the switchover takes place in their area and how to prepare.

During his visit to RESPONSE, Mr Cairns met with staff to gauge first hand what sort of help and support is being sought by callers, the main areas of concern surrounding the switchover and the kind of issues that are of most interest to members of the public.

David Cairns said:

“I am pleased that the switchover in Whitehaven was a great success, and have every confidence that the next switchover, due to take place in the Borders later this year, will be every bit as successful.

“Work towards digital switchover is well under way, with figures showing that public awareness is up to 85%. But it is important that everyone is aware of the help and assistance available from the Digital UK call centre, and takes full advantage of this service for the price of a local phone call.”

Paul Hughes, Digital UK’s National Manager for Scotland, said:

“Switchover is happening throughout the country and the Digital UK national helpline is on hand to offer essential support and advice during the process.

“With the call centre and through a number of new partnerships across the country, we are working hard to ensure that every household is ready for the switchover and that all viewers are provided with all the help and support needed in advance of the switch.”

David Wallace, RESPONSE Chief Executive, said:

“The team are already experiencing a growing number of calls as we move towards the first phase of the switchover.

“Many of these are general queries but we are also here to provide support in regards to their individual circumstances. This can range from the different options for converting to digital television through to providing information about special help schemes which will provide practical support for older and disabled viewers.

“We are delighted to welcome the minister here today so he can see first hand the support systems that are in place to meet the needs of viewers.”

Across the UK, switchover to digital television will take place between 2008 and 2012. The Scottish Borders will be the first area to start the switch to digital on November 6 this year, with the rest of the UK following on a region by region basis.