French threat to Digital Switch timetable The Digital Switch timetable for south east England could be brought forward to stop French TV overwhelming lower-power British signals.

Digital switch in France is due to be complete by November 2011, but the ITV Meridian region won't go fully digital until 2012 on the current timetable.

Many residents in the south east already have trouble receiving Freeview, because signals are turned down to avoid interference with French TV. A similar arrangement operates in northern France.

But Ofcom, which represents Britain in international frequency coordination, is still waiting to see a detailed plan of the French digital switch timetable.

The National Audit Office has warned that Ofcom's timetable for Meridian may have to be brought forward.

It said: "Digital switchover in France, which is due to be completed in November 2011, could create interference in the UK to analogue and low-power digital television in Southern England. This could be avoided if switchover in the affected areas was brought forward to 2011.

"Ofcom will be able to make a full assessment of the implications for the UK timetable when a more detailed French switchover plan is available in late 2007 or early 2008, at which point any likely additional costs would be clearer. The BBC considers that changes to the timetable are unlikely but, if they occurred, would seek funding for its additional costs from the Government."

__________________