TV

Television in Scotland is mostly from UK-wide output. Scotland does not have it's own major television channel, much to the chagrin of the Scottish people. A study found that 2 percent of the programming was dedicated to Scotland, despite having 10% of the population.

The government is currently transitioning from analogue TV transmitters to digital. They hope to have the transition complete by 2012.

Technically, a TV license is required if you have a television set. The price is about 145.00 GBP annually (discounts for those over 75-years-old, students, etc.). If you are caught without a license, you will be assessed a fine of 1,000 GBP. You can find more information about the TV license at RNIB Scotland.

Channels

Scottish Television (known legally as STV Central Ltd and referred to on-air as STV) is Scotland's largest ITV franchise. The channel produces news programs with current affairs, politics and sports programs (in both English and Gaelic) for Northern, Border, and Central Scotland.

BBC One Scotland and BBC Two Scotland are additional Scottish channels. They are publicly-funded and nationally broadcast. Much of the output such as, the Glasgow-based soap opera, are intended for broadcast within Scotland. Sports coverage also differs, reflecting the fact that the country has its own football and rugby union leagues and national teams.

TeleG is a Freeview channel on DTT in Scotland only, broadcasting an hour a day of archive shows. The broadcast is in Gaelic.

A complete list of programs can be found http://www.scotlandinter.net/television.html.

Cable TV

TV subscription services are normally bundled with a phone line and broadband internet. The major provider in Scotland is Smallworld Cable (Tel: 08000 706 150). Pricing ranges from 10.50 GBP(cost of phone line with "free" TV) to 80 GBP per month.

Installation is usually arranged online through the provider's website or by telephone. A request for service is placed, a technician will come to your home, and installation should be completed within a week. If you there is equipment in place, it may just take changing the name on the contract and setting-up payments.

Satellite TV

TV subscription services are normally bundled with a phone line and broadband internet. There are three direct-broadcast satellite services (also known as direct-to-home or DTH).

Sky TV is a subscription service owned by British Sky Broadcasting. It is the dominant satellite provider with the largest number of channels. Sky TV also provides video on demand branded as "Sky Anytime". Subscriptions start at 18 GBP per month.

Installation is usually arranged online through the provider's website or by telephone. A request for service is placed, a technician will come to your home, and installation should be completed within a week. Installation fees may be waived during promotions, but may also cost up to 150 GBP. If you there is equipment in place, it may just take changing the name on the contract and setting-up payments.

Internet

Internet service is usually bundled with either cable or satellite TV service and a phone line. All types of connections are available: dial up (slower access), ADSL, WiFi, etc. Most providers charge from 20-70 BP a month.

Providers

• Sky
• O2
• Calico UK Internet Service
• Abel Internet
• Broadband Bundles
• TalkTalk

Installation

Contact your preferred provider and they can usually set-up an appointment over the phone or online. Installation may be necessary if the necessary wiring and equipment is not already installed.

Basic installation includes:
• Installation of modem or router and filter or splitter
• Configuration of the internet access on one computer
• Configuration of LOL PHONE with one phone

Documents required:
• Proof of identity
• Utility bill or tenancy agreement
• Deposit

Internet Cafe

Internet cafes can be found in the major cities. Costs vary from 1.50-5.00 GBP per hour. Printing, scanning, CD-Rom burning, and other services are usually an additional fee. Cafes may also be a target for thieves and pickpockets so take care of your belongings.

The Forest Cafe
Address: 3 Bristo Place Edinburgh, EH1 1EY, UK
Tel: 0131 220 4538
The Forest is a self-funded, not-for-profit arts internet cafe and exhibition space, run and staffed by volunteers.

Bytes & Slices
Address: 2 Waverley Steps, Edinburgh, EH2 2EH
Tel: 0131 557 8887

Escape Internet Cafe
Address: 5 London Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5AP
Tel: 0131 661 0664

Tinsley Lockhart Internet Gallery
Address: 44 West Preston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9PY
Tel: 0131 466 7767

More internet cafes can be found at Edinburgh Directory.

WiFi

Multiple cafes, shops and hotspot exist throughout Edinburgh. Look for the "wi-fi" symbol for access, but acknowledge that it is expected that you buy something to use the wifi. One of the best places to consistently find free internet access and wifi is through the municipal libraries which have PCs with free internet access and wifi. You can find an extensive list of wifi spots at wi-fi in Edinburgh.