TV problems hit 100,000 in digital switch

More than 100,000 Londoners were expected to suffer problems with their TV signal today after the Crystal Palace tower stopped broadcasting in analogue for the first time since 1956.

Up to 50,000 households were estimated to lose out in the capital’s digital switchover — one of the last stage of a national £630 million scheme. Elderly and disabled viewers, and others with older TVs who have not retuned set-top boxes, were predicted to be most affected.

As analogue broadcasts of BBC, ITV and Channel 4 stopped, angry Londoners took to Twitter.

James Jones said: “Mum woke up to NO channels on TV this morning. She’s so angry with the digital switchover thing.” Mark Elderfield wrote: “Great, got to retune bloody TV again... grrrr! Bloody switchover!”

Anyone with problems can ring the Digital UK helpline on 08456 505050.