There are a wide range of benefits in the switch for viewers, broadcasters, transmission suppliers, and equipment manufacturers. For example, frequencies on the analogue spectrum are scarce, and digital transmission is very much more efficient - so the move will free up spectrum to deliver other services to consumers, such as Mobile TV or High Definition TV.

For viewers, digital opens the way to a wider range of services, and a better and more varied choice of programming. With these benefits, uptake of digital services so far has been good. However, coverage issues mean that about a quarter of UK households are unable to receive digital television through an aerial. Clearly, before the country moves from analogue to a completely digital system, digital services must be made available to all viewers.

In some areas, new digital transmitters can't be added until analogue space is freed up. There are plans to overcome this frequency limitation through a rolling programme of switching analogue signals off and replacing them with digital transmissions in the regions concerned. This is due to begin in 2008.

The UK is one of the countries leading the world in digital television, and will be one of the first to make a nationwide switch. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany's capital, Berlin, took the step in 2003. Other countries planning for fully digital television broadcasting are Italy, by the end of 2006, Finland, by the end of 2007, and Sweden, by the end of 2008.

Along with other companies, we've helped boost the UK's digital capability by advancing the technologies and delivering the services that broadcasters need to reach their audiences. As momentum builds for the national switch to digital broadcasting, we're committed to using our skills and know-how to ensure its success.