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The digital revolution is happening faster than anyone would have predicted. Its benefits to consumers in terms of choice, performance and access to information and services are immense. So far, Britain has been in the vanguard of that change with digital penetration of households now reaching 70% However, until now this has been achieved by choice rather than compulsion.
The Government has decided that, starting in 2008, analogue terrestrial television broadcasts will be taken off the air and all households will be required to switch over to digital. As they are, the radio spectrum thus released will be made available both to strengthen the signals of digital terrestrial television and to make way for, potentially, an exciting range of additional services. By 2012, the whole of the UK viewing public should be receiving television in digital form, whether by terrestrial broadcasts, satellite, cable or broadband. The advent of High Definition Television is widely, not to say eagerly, anticipated in many quarters. Local television services, mobile TV and the emergence of more interactive features all-round promise greater empowerment and engagement of all those enabled to benefit.
Digital terrestrial television makes more efficient use of scarce radio spectrum, offering more channels and interactive features. By turning off the analogue signal which currently competes for spectrum, it will be possible for digital terrestrial television to reach a similar proportion of a viewing population that has grown accustomed to free-to-air public service television. Some have argued that the conversion to digital should be allowed to continue to occur naturally, by choice rather than by compulsion. This would perhaps have been the easier political option. The Government is therefore to be commended on a bold decision which carries with it some risk.
Almost every household is likely to incur some costs. Those who still rely on conventional, analogue, broadcasts will lose access to television services unless they replace or convert at least some of their existing televisions and video cassette recorders. The vast majority of those who already have a digital receiver still have one or more analogue sets which will also need conversion. Some will need new aerials and cabling as well. A small number - estimated by Ofcom at a few thousand people - will lose access to terrestrial television, and they will have to move to an alternative platform: at present, only satellite television provides a free-to-air viewing option, once an initial outlay on equipment has been made.
Switching terrestrial television from analogue to digital will be a highly complex undertaking, requiring coordination and cooperation throughout the industry. Awareness and understanding of its implications and rationale is still limited among the general public.
Digital UK has been established by broadcasters and operators of the digital terrestrial television multiplexes to oversee the process. Probably the single most important task facing this compact organisation is communicating the oncoming transition to digital television, and its consequences. From an industry standpoint this will be necessary to manage, and drive up, demand for consumer electronic equipment, aerials and installation services.
An important opportunity also exists to encourage the spread of more sophisticated digital technology offering interactive services and additional facilities. This will be missed if too much emphasis is placed on the low cost of more basic equipment. The Government and Digital UK should make clear that the more advanced boxes and other digital platforms, including broadband, may offer significant additional benefits to individuals rather than simply focusing on the cheapest option. The decision as to what the released spectrum should be used for also needs to be made quickly. Transmitter conversion is about to begin and delay in determining future applications risks increasing costs and potentially making some options unviable.
Consumers must have independent and reliable information on their options in the new digital world. Many will need help with purchasing, installing and using unfamiliar equipment. They have a right to expect these services to be provided by reputable, accredited professionals. These considerations will be all the more germane in the context of people with disabilities, the elderly, the socially isolated and those in low income groups.
Others who stand to lose television services as a result of the Government's analogue switch-off policy will require additional advice and help if they are to avoid falling on the wrong side of the digital divide. More than any other group they will need to hear a robust case for the benefits of analogue switch-off in view of the disruption it is likely to cause them.
To achieve a smooth and successful outcome, a task of this complexity requires strong management, unambiguous attribution of responsibilities, co-ordination among all the industry stakeholders, and effective communication with customers, consumers and citizens. Clearly the Government must accept responsibility for the decision it has taken to commit to digital terrestrial television and its consequences. It must stand ready to defend both its timetable and the rights of those left vulnerable by analogue switch-off. To do so, there must be the clarity of leadership and accountability which should be left to a single identifiable Government minister to provide.
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