Following the fiasco with the new digital television system, the government is implementing technical changes to address signal reception problems. The changes will take effect starting next week, with the goal of restoring citizens’ uninterrupted access to television channels.

“High-definition transmission will remain in place, so that it will be technically easier for people—perhaps even with their current equipment—to tune in to the signal. We expect that this will resolve the problems that have arisen to a very large extent.”
_{^{Nikodimos Damianou – Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy}}

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With this new change, people who already have a set-top box or a modern TV will be able to watch other channels in the same way they currently watch the state-run channel.

The Deputy Minister took full responsibility for the problems, admitting that the technicians underestimated the impact of the new platform on signal reception in homes.

“We will continue to provide the public with more targeted information about where the problems are and what they need to watch out for, and where necessary, I have asked the company and the relevant departments to even provide on-site assistance”.

Representatives of television stations also expressed dissatisfaction and outrage over the problems that arose, emphasizing that they have borne a heavy financial burden.

“The three-month parallel broadcast period is ridiculous. In Greece, this transition lasted four years, so this should have been anticipated. One suggestion is to extend the parallel broadcast period now that Velister’s equipment has been transferred to Hellas Sat.”
_{^{Petros Petrou – General Manager of Alpha Cyprus}}

READ ALSO: Damianou’s “mea culpa” before Parliament regarding the “blackout” on the televisions of hundreds of citizens

Members of Parliament strongly emphasized the need to support vulnerable segments of the population who have shouldered this significant cost.

“It is therefore necessary to immediately consider any measures to provide support, primarily vulnerable households, as well as to extend the three-month period during which parallel signal transmission will take place.”
_{^{Sotiris Ioannou – Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Transportation}}

“We are calling for the announcement of a specific support plan for vulnerable population groups, and for the plan to be applied retroactively.”
_{^{Konstantinos Konstantinou – AKEL Member of Parliament}}

“The government has expressed a willingness to examine the financial costs in cases where a change to the system was deemed necessary, particularly for retirees and vulnerable groups.”
_{^{Panikos Leonidou – Parliamentary Spokesperson for DIKO}}

The committee will closely monitor the issue, and if problems persist, it will revisit the matter starting in September.

Watch Eleni Michael’s report: