UK high-tech industry calls for switchover certainty

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Intellect, the trade association for the UK hi-tech industry, reacting to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell's statement suggesting that digital switchover was more likely in 2012 rather than 2010, has welcomed the emergence of a proposed digital switchover timetable.

Nevertheless, association members have voiced their concern over the continued lack of certainty and reiterated their requirement for confirmation of the switchover timetable as soon as possible.

Commenting on the proposed timetable Laurence Harrison, Intellect's Director of Consumer Electronics said: "If the switching sequence begins, as suggested, in 2007 this will provide stakeholders with two years in which to complete preparations for the start of the switchover sequence. It is therefore imperative that Government makes a firm commitment on the digital switchover timetable and makes a public decision as quickly as possible, allowing adequate planning to take place within the total supply chain."

According to Harrison, "digital inclusion has long been an integral part of the Government's social inclusion policy and DTV switchover will enable the full benefits of digital broadcasting to be realised by all consumers. It is for this reason Intellect maintains it belief that Government must retain ownership of the project going forward. Intellect welcomes the opportunity to continue working with Government, Broadcasters and other stakeholders."