The UK’s Digital Transition

Abstract

The UK’s digital transition proved a lengthy one, with analogue switch-off towards the end of 2012 following 14 years after the launch of digital terrestrial in late 1998. The dominant role of terrestrial reception at the outset, the crisis culminating in the bankruptcy of ITV Digital, and the cautious stance of the UK government account for this. From the end of 2002 onwards the process was smooth, characterised by high voluntary digital take-up and by a complementary relationship between a free-to-view digital terrestrial television and the pay-TV operations of the satellite and cable platforms. While the government designed the policy framework, implementation of switchover was led by the broadcasters and the industry, through Digital UK. However, BBC leadership and licence fee funding were central to the whole transition. The role of the regulator, Ofcom, was critical in facilitating the retro-fitting of HDTV to a set of terrestrial multiplexes designed for standard definition services. A government initiative was vital in starting local television. Ofcom continues to manage spectrum release and reorganisation. The pattern of digital television shows a dramatic increase in viewer choice, a major increase in subscription TV, less dramatic change in viewing habits, the greater convenience of easy recording and On-Demand services and a modest increase in total viewing. The full implications of digital switchover, however, go beyond this to include television’s synergies with the Internet.