Digital Transition: The state, through NMHH, helps all eligible in need

In the digital switchover, the state pays special attention to those who are unable to procure the equipment needed for more modern television on their own; a national survey will be launched next month in cooperation with local governments to map households in need of support, said the president of the National Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) in Zalaegerszeg last week.
Annamária Szalai explained at the government office meeting held with the mayors and clerks of the county, the main goal of the authority is to ensure equal opportunities for those in need to have access to modern digital television opportunities. The chairman of the authority said that the available data is encouraging, as 83 percent of Hungarian households are not directly involved in the digital switchover.

Annamária Szalai added: the state will support the purchase and installation of receivers and, if necessary, the antenna in all households in need and eligible through the NMHH. In order to accurately assess the circle in need of support, the participation of local governments is requested, and the pension payer and the state treasury are also involved in the work.

The President of the Authority also said that in addition to households in need, the NMHH intends to provide eligible institutions in the area of ​​municipalities in need of assistance, such as social homes, schools and libraries, with digital television and radio reception in a similar way.

Endre Kovács, Head of Department at NMHH, spoke in detail about the fact that in addition to the current three analogue TV stations, four other channels and three stations of the Hungarian Radio can be received free of charge with digital receivers.

The frequency bands released after disconnection will serve the mobile broadband data service. He said about the experiences of the pilot program in Sopron and Barcs: 83 people in need live in the area with a total population of 4246, 537 of them applied for support. Free terrestrial or satellite receiver received a 474-en, an elected 63-subscription service.

He also reported that, based on contact information from the pension institution, the state treasury and local governments, those in need are approached nationwide with the involvement of Central Statistical Office staff to meet with those in need and assess the circle of beneficiaries. The transition process is accompanied by a communication campaign.

Source: MTI