Government Set To Miss Deadline For Digital Switch
Only 78% of British households are likely to have adopted digital television in time for the proposed 2010 deadline for the switch-off of the analogue signal, according to a new report from Ofcom.
The media super-regulator says that current market forces will not be enough to persuade all viewers to make the transition after research revealed that a staggering 50% of the British public are opposed to the digital switch (see Government’s Digital Switch-Off Plan Alienates Viewers).
The Government plans to terminate the analogue signal between 2006 and 2010 when 95% of UK households have multichannel access. However, Ofcom warns the rapid growth of digital uptake will stall without Parliamentary intervention and a more precise date for the switch.
The media watchdog is urging the Government to work more closely with broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers to make the analogue switch-off a reality. It is also calling for the creation of an autonomous body which will oversee the smooth transition from analogue to digital.
The latest figures show that more than half of all UK households now receive multichannel television in some form, either through digital terrestrial service Freeview, BSkyB’s subscription-based offering, or a variety of cable platforms (see Freeview Surge Helps Digital Reach Half Of UK Homes).
However, Ofcom is attempting to increase take-up by recommending that access to free digital channels via satellite is improved to encourage more viewers to invest in digital television equipment. It is also calling on the Government to provide public service broadcasters with a clear and unambiguous commercial incentive to drive switchover, given that digital will increase competition and reduce advertising revenues.
The communications watchdog recommends a gradual region-by-region switchover process, with one or two terrestrial channels being switched off first so that the digital signal can be boosted. It claims this would prevent television screens from going blank overnight and would help raise digital terrestrial availability to near universal levels.
Last week Ofcom chief executive, Stephen Carter, also proposed changes to the BBC’s Charter to ensure the Corporation’s commitment to the delivery and rollout of switchover is on the same footing as that of the other terrestrial broadcasters. He is calling on the BBC to ensure that its promotion of the digital switchover is neutral and favours no particular digital platform (see Ofcom Chief Calls For Confirmed Digital Switchover Date).
Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk
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