Site operators of a new mast set to replace one that was destroyed nearly two years ago have described the day as a “significant moment” as it started transmitting signals this morning.

A new 300-metre structure, built on the Bilsdale site to replace the former mast that burnt down in August 2021, began transmitting signals as of 5am this morning (Monday, May 22).

However, Shuja Khan chief executive at Arqiva, who operates the mast, said there is still a lot of work to be done.

Speaking at an event on the site today, he said it was a perfect moment to “catch our breath” after almost two years after the disaster.

The mast unexpectedly burst into flames on August 10, 2021 leaving hundreds of thousands without TV or radio signals.

Read more: Bilsdale transmitter: How events unfolded since the fire this month

Since then, Arqiva has been working to restore signals to as many people as possible, erecting smaller relay masts and most recently a temporary mast on the site of the former structure.

Now, a new permanent mast has begun transmitting signals from the site restoring signal to over 99% of viewers in the North East.

Mr Khan said that some people may see some disruption as a result but urged those people to contact the helpline on 0800 121 4828.

HD channels are still yet to be rolled out within weeks and radio signals will be returned in a matter of months.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Khan said: “We also have to go through the process of decommissioning so obviously we had 16 relay sites, which need to be decommissioned and obviously that station tower as well.

“So there’s a bit of decommissioning to be done and then restoring the site back to its original form, so quite a lot of work still to be done.”

This week the telecommunications company has been carrying out testing of the new mast, which Mr Khan said had been “positive.”

He added: “we had two days where we took a helicopter around the tower but they call it the heli-testing and signals were transmitting well.

“This morning all the feedback we’ve had has been positive, the call centre has had a few calls but not many, and it’s been relatively quiet.

The Northern Echo: Shuja Kahn, chief executive at ArqivaShuja Kahn, chief executive at Arqiva (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“For most people when they did a retune they got their channels back so that’s very positive.”

Read more: BBC sues Arqiva over Bilsdale mast fire after millions lost TV signal

Meanwhile, Mr Khan pointed out the benefits of the new tower, including it being more sustainable and environmentally friendly and fire-resistant.

He said: “You’ll see in comparison to the previous tower, this new mast has a lattice structure, which means the risk of fire is much reduced compared to the last one.

“As you can see visibility is much better, so if there is an issue you’re able to see it much earlier.

“And obviously the components we use have been fire tested and we made sure we have all the checks in place to avoid that.

“Generally speaking there are a couple of benefits to this tower, it’s lighter so that means it’s more sustainable.

“It uses half as much energy and power, and it has a smaller footprint, so there’s some real positives in terms of the technology we use to make this tower more superior.”

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It comes as it was revealed the BBC has filed a lawsuit against Arqiva due to money lost while the mast was down and its failure to restore services within 18 months.

Speaking on the news Mr Khan said: “I can’t comment on commercial litigation, what I can say is we have done our utmost to get services as back as quickly as possible.

“We’ve also spent tens of millions of pounds to not just build that mast and the temporary relay sites, but also provide a help scheme for thousands and thousands of people in the region.”