$800 satellite dish solution to digital TV blackspot
TYNDALE residents are facing substantial one-off costs to install satellite dishes after being advised they will require the equipment to access digital television reception.
Representatives from the Tyndale Progress Association met Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker to discuss the poor reception they receive from the digital network.
Mr Hartsuyker said he could understand their concerns given the imminent closure of the analogue network on the NSW North Coast today.
"These people are facing a bill of at least $800 per dwelling in order to install a satellite dish just to receive good reception of the digital channels," Mr Hartsuyker said.
"The Digital Switchover Taskforce originally told some residents that because there is not a strong enough signal from the existing television towers, a satellite dish would have to be installed on individual dwellings.
"This is a substantial cost which will have to be borne by householders and small business. For a business like the roadhouse and caravan park this will have a huge impact."
Mr Hartsuyker said he was making representations to try and resolve the issue.
"I have been in contact with the Digital Switchover Taskforce and their preliminary advice to me is that many premises in Tyndale should be receiving good coverage. However, it is clear that this is not the case for all residents so they have given me an undertaking to contact those who wrote to me and investigate all available options.
"I have also contacted Free TV which is an industry body representing Australia's commercial free-to-air television licensees. I have asked them to examine the possibility of improving the signal which comes from a television tower in Maclean.
"In my view it is essential that we explore all technical options to determine whether a strong signal can be provided without the need for satellite dishes," Mr Hartsuyker said.
