Arqiva Chief Executive gives an update on temporary mast coverage
Radio and TV signals have been affected across the region since August
The chief executive of Arqiva, the operator of Bilsdale Mast, has set out more details of which areas across North Yorkshire and the North East will benefit from a temporary TV mast being switched on and which places will require further help and support.
Paul Donovan said that once the temporary mast is switched on later this month it will reveal which addresses still do not receive a signal. Additional, smaller, relay towers will then be built at identified sites to help fill in these so-called “not spots” of TV coverage.
More than 90% of households will have had their TV services restored following the switch-on but some coastal and Dales areas in North Yorkshire and County Durham are likely to be amongst the places where services are not restored by the temporary mast and where further measures will be required.
Arqiva announced on Friday that testing and switching on the temporary mast, close to the site of the original Bilsdale Mast, which was damaged by fire on August 10th, had been delayed due to bad weather. The aim – depending on the weather - is now for the mast to go live between October 13th and the 19th. More details will follow on what viewers need to do once the switch on takes place.
Arqiva is working with local authorities, housing organisations and charities on Project Restore to get TV services back for those affected, and to prioritise specific groups. People over 65, those with disability, and socially vulnerable groups will receive priority help.
A new call centre will provide support and advice, and an engineer will visit homes through scheduled visits if required for those in the priority groups. For those unable to receive a signal we will provide a selection of options, for example including Freesat TV.
A new, online hub offering support and information to those affected – including how to re-tune or re-point antennae - will be available later this week at bilsdalemast.co.uk
Arqiva CEO Paul Donovan said:
“We’re sorry that bad weather has pushed back the go-live date for the temporary mast. Safety of our staff is paramount. Once it is switched on, services will be restored for many thousands of people.
“We’re working hard on alternative plans to help those who don’t benefit from that, including here on the coast and in the Dales of North Yorkshire and County Durham, and some other areas.
"We’re absolutely committed to restoring services as quickly as we can, and to prioritising those in our communities who need help the most.”