Jowell confirms analogue switchoff plans

Tessa Jowell has confirmed the government's intent to switch off the analogue signal by 2012.

Delivering a keynote speech at the Royal Television Society's Cambridge convention, the culture secretary said that two thirds of the population had "already voted with their wallets" in going digital. "The freedom of many others will be constrained unless we take the lead in extending digital terrestrial coverage by turning off the analogue signal."

Under the plan, first proposed by Ofcom, the Border region will be first to make the switch, with other regions following on a gradual basis through 2012.

Carlton/LWT will switch in 2012, just before the London Olympics. "I can assure you that I did not slog for two years to bring the games here just to see Londoners reduced to huddling round the wireless to find out who won the hundred metres," said Jowell of the clash. "I am completely confident that our timetable is a sensible one which will ensure that digital services are delivered with no disruption to the viewing public during the Games themselves."

Jowell also outlined plans to provide assistance for the "vulnerable" groups who may find switchover difficult or confusing.

"These people will need more than information - they will need our practical support. And they will get it," she promised. "We will provide targeted support to those who most need it: households where someone is aged 75 or over; and households with people with severe disabilities."

Assistance will consist of providing the necessary equipment to convert one TV set and the relevant support to install and use the equipment. The BBC will fund the scheme.

"This help will be free for the poorest eligible households, those on Income Support, Job Seekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit. But we will charge a modest fee to others."