The digital signal strength will increase permanently once the old analogue system is switched off, but Cllr Macpherson says many people will still get a second-class service.

He said that while the Angus main transmitter already carries all Freeview TV and radio channels, other relay stations carry none at the moment.

In the case of the Tay Bridge transmitter, its 35,000 viewers do not get access to Freeview, including most residents of the West End and City Centre and much of Craigiebank and Broughty Ferry.

Additionally, many in the Charleston area do not get Freeview because they are served by the Camperdown relay transmitter, again, without digital signals.

They will get a limited service of only 22 of the 58 channels after the digital switchover in 2010.

“People quite rightly have complained about this,” said Cllr Macpherson.

“They pay the same TV licence fee but they will still get a second-class service after the switch-over.

“It’s a postcode lottery depending on where you live in Dundee.

“It is completely unfair.”

Cllr Macpherson says it’s something he’ll continue to bring up with the independent regulator.”

People who do get digital TV in Dundee have been complaining of a poor reception and Cllr Macpherson says he’s pleased at the latest response from Digital UK regarding the numerous television reception problems affecting many viewers who get their TV signals from the Angus transmitter at Tealing.

“I have been speaking with Digital UK’s Assistant National Manager for Scotland and he is meeting me to discuss the issues raised by a great many people about the quality of TV reception,” he said.

“Digital UK’s Assistant National Manager for Scotland has now said that where a resident gives me permission to pass on their contact details to him, he is willing to look into their specific reception problems.

“I am grateful to Digital UK for their prompt response.

“The digital signal is not at full strength at the moment as this would apparently interfere with the traditional analogue signals.

“I am assured that, after the old analogue service is switched off at the digital switchover, the digital signal strength will be increased permanently.

“This won’t happen until next year, so it’s important Digital UK is looking into residents’ complaints in terms of poor reception now.”

Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting, Stephen Carter, visited Edinburgh at the weekend to examine the digital challenges facing Scotland.

Mr Carter said, “Digital inclusion across Scotland is crucial.

“We must ensure the most remote and disadvantaged members of society are not left behind as the rest of the UK benefits.”