Ofcom Research Highlights Vulnerable In Countdown To Switchover

Ofcom’s Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People and Digital UK have today jointly published research highlighting the potential impact of digital switchover on disabled, older, isolated and low income consumers.

The research highlights the need for a targeted communications campaign to educate informal, formal, and voluntary support networks (such as family members, social service departments and voluntary agencies) about the importance of reaching those most in need of help with switchover.

The research found that respondents were generally unconcerned by switchover. However, this may reflect low understanding about the implications of converting or upgrading all television sets within the home, although awareness of the process is high, particularly in the first areas to switch.

Digital UK is using the research to help shape its community outreach programme, including a partnership with charities and other support groups, to provide practical assistance directly to local communities.

Mike Whitlam, chairman of the Ofcom Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People said: “This research provides a great insight into how digital switchover can be successfully achieved with this important group of people.

“The Committee calls upon relevant charities, social services, and others to work with Digital UK to ensure that the right advice and support is available for a straight forward switch to digital television.”

Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital UK, added: “We are already working with a range of charities to ensure help is available to support older and disabled people through switchover. This research provides valuable insights into the particular needs of these groups and confirms the importance of that work.”

In March, the price comparison website uSwitch.com unveiled research which found that four fifths of adults in the UK do not know when their region will have its analogue signal switched to digital (see Consumers Not Switched On To Switchover).

The switchover will commence later this year, with Whitehaven and the surrounding area of Cumbria having BBC Two switched off on October 17 (see Digital Switchover Gets October Start Date).

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk Digital UK: www.digitaluk.co.uk