Class divide hits digital switchover awareness

Ofcom report highlights alarming gaps in consumer awareness of digital switchover

UK families on lower incomes are less likely than wealthier families to know about the proposed digital switchover, according to a report from Ofcom. 

The study of 2,700 British households and 300 small businesses found that awareness had doubled since a year ago, and that 52 per cent of people are now aware that the change will take place in 2012.

However, when the figures were broken down by household income, Ofcom found that 60 per cent of homes with a salary of £11,500 or less are unaware that the analogue signal will be switched off.

"There have been some encouraging improvements since last year, especially around people's awareness of digital TV and broadband," said Colette Bowe, chairman of the Ofcom Consumer Panel. 

"But it is clear that certain groups within society are not reaping the full benefits from the communications market."

Households with low incomes are also twice as likely to believe that they 'cannot afford' the internet, according to the report.