Ofcom is to unveil an ambitious "migration path" that would transition Freeview from the current DVB-T transmission standard using MPEG-2 compression to the newer DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 standards by 2009, starting with a single multiplex.

The media regulator has been insistent that the adoption of new technologies is its preferred way of delivering high definition content on digital terrestrial television rather than using spectrum freed up during the analogue switch-off process taking place through 2012. Parts of that spectrum are instead to be auctioned off.

Speaking at the Westminster Media Forum yesterday evening, Richards refused to be drawn on how many broadcasters would be involved in the migration plan but admitted that the wholesale adoption of the new standards would require consumers to purchase new set top boxes.

He did, however, state that any post-migration service would be free-to-air in line with the current Freeview model.

The plan is expected to be published next month.