Free-to-view breakthrough

Powys MPs Roger Williams and Lembit Opik were first to receive the news from Lord McIntosh, Minister for Broadcasting, today that a solution has been found to the problem of public service broadcasting in rural areas.

The MPs have been pressing the Government since early summer to try to resolve the problem regarding free to view on digital satellite. Today the Government announced that a deal has been struck between Sky and the independent broadcasters (ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and S4C). Viewers will be required to pay a one off fee of £23.50 (£20+VAT) for a Free To View (FTV) Solus viewing card to receive ITV, Channel 4, Channel Five and S4C. Lord McIntosh said that "the card is guaranteed to last for at least two years and probably until the switchover" (2010).

Roger Williams MP said: "This is an affordable solution to the problem of people who wish to receive S4C and HTV and currently receive Channel 4 and Midlands ITV. Now, as opposed to taking out a subscription to Sky for a minimum of £150 per annum, all these channels will be available for a small one off fee.

Lembit Opik MP said: "We have been pressing the Government for months to resolve this problem, and we welcome the fact that a decision has finally been made. In an ideal world, the Solus cards would be issued for free. However, this puts an end to the uncertainty.

"We asked the Minister whether OAPs over 75 who do not have to pay for a TV licence could also receive the Solus card free of charge. The Minister replied that the Government would not intervene financially but we will continue to press on behalf of OAPs."