Sky Freeview service welcome - Öpik

Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has welcomed BSkyB's proposal to launch a free-to-view digital satellite package that will give viewers the chance to access up to 200 TV and radio channels free of charge, after an initial payment of £150 for the installation of a satellite dish and receiver.

Commenting, Lembit Öpik MP said: "In many rural areas, the only way to receive public service channels is via digital satellite.  I have been saying for some time that it is quite wrong that viewers should have to subscribe to pay-TV in order to receive public service broadcasting. 

"There are many people in Wales who cannot afford to subscribe to Sky and who currently only have access to BBC1 and BBC2.  Sky's initiative means that people in rural areas and elsewhere will now be able to access all the main channels and more.  It is certainly encouraging. 

"However, there remain questions regarding the position of people who already have the satellite viewing equipment and merely require the "solus" viewing card.  Many people bought the equipment last year when the BBC were funding a scheme to give satellite viewers access to the public service channels.  I have asked Sky whether people that already have the equipment will have to pay again or whether they will be issued with the viewing card for a lower fee.

"I'm having a meeting with Lord McIntosh, Minister for Broadcasting, in two weeks time where I will raise outstanding concerns."