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Andrew McIntosh Welcomes Ofcom Consumer Panel Switchover Report

154/04 

Broadcasting Minister Andrew McIntosh today stressed that digital switchover must be a "truly inclusive revolution" as he welcomed the publication of a key report into the issue.

The Ofcom consumer panel was asked by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to examine how the interests of the most vulnerable consumers can be protected during the switch to digital-only TV.

The main conclusion of the resulting report is that help for vulnerable groups should focus on those who are socially isolated – who may have difficulty in finding out about switchover and understanding what it means and taking steps to deal with it. The report suggests that the balance should be on practical support; though financial barriers to digital conversion exist they are of secondary importance.

The report, Supporting The Most Vulnerable Consumers Through Digital Switchover, recommends that Switchco, the new body that will implement switchover, should work with the voluntary sector and local Government to develop a plan to help these people. The Government will consider the Report's conclusions.

In July, Tessa Jowell made it clear that the needs of vulnerable consumers were a key concern in the move to switchover.

Welcoming the report, Andrew McIntosh said:

"Switchover is good for the consumer. But everyone must benefit. It must be a truly inclusive revolution. This report includes many useful pointers for how we can ensure that this happens."

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Speaking today at the Westminster e-forum seminar in London, Andrew McIntosh stressed that only by switching off the analogue signal could the widest possible access to digital TV be ensured. He said:

"Today these benefits cannot be enjoyed by everyone. There is still a divide between the digital haves and have-nots. We want to create a genuine digital democracy, where everybody has the best possible access. This is why we need to switch off."

He also outlined steps that are being taken to ensure consumers are informed about switchover. These include:

  • A digital logo – The "tick logo" indicates products and services which are digital compatible. Andrew McIntosh said that he expected the logo to start to appear on every high street by Christmas.  So far 21 manufacturers and more than 200 retailers, representing more than 2000 retail outlets, have signed up to use the logo.
  • A digital public awareness campaign – The DCMS has just started a five-month  campaign that aims to educate the media and the public about switchover.
  • The South Wales technical trial – The trial is currently taking place in Ferryside, West Wales and aims to gauge the technical issues associated with switchover and likely obstacles consumers will face.

Andrew McIntosh added that the Government was still working with industry colleagues to determine the best timetable for switchover.  He said:

"It might well be 2008 to 2012, but we need to make sure that all the technical issues are fully understood, and that we have identified any measures necessary to help vulnerable groups.

"I understand the intention is for there to be dates in the licences Ofcom is due to issue very shortly, which represent our best estimate at this stage of what is realistic. Before we can confirm the timetable, we need to make sure that these dates are the best ones for all consumers and for the UK as a whole."

He added that a definitive announcement on the timetable should be made in 2005 and that details of the regional order of switchover should be reported to Parliament early next year.

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Notes to Editors

1.  Ofcom today published the report on behalf of the Consumer Panel. It can be accessed on the Consumer Panel's website.

2. While broadcasters have not reached a full consensus on the optimum timetable, some – including the BBC – have suggested that 2012 may be the most appropriate date for the completion of switchover. Ofcom reiterated this in the publication of the draft digital licences in September 2004.

3. Switchover is currently being managed through the Digital Television Project – a collaboration between Government, Ofcom, broadcasters, industry and other stakeholders. Its task is to develop a comprehensive framework and strategy for switchover.

The measures it has taken so far include:

  • Liasing with retailers to ensure that consumers are able to identify and buy equipment with the help of trained staff, giving platform-neutral advice.
  • Designing and marketing a digital television logo for digital television equipment, to help the public identify switchover compliant equipment.
  • Consulting with representatives of the most vulnerable consumer groups, to ensure that the views of these people are represented.
  • Commissioning market research to gauge public awareness on the issues surrounding switchover.
  • Working towards a switchover timetable, in consultation with industry, that ensures the benefits of digital switchover will be seen within a realistic timeframe.

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