The U.K. govt. will help elderly and disabled people switch to DT...

and those with “significant disabilities,” Jowell said. The plan, to be funded by the BBC license fee, includes help for households with one person 75 or older, or who is blind or meets other criteria. Assistance will include providing equipment needed to switch one TV set to digital and support for installing and using the gear. The govt. and the BBC will work out practical details. The rolling transition will take place by ITV region (ITV is the U.K.’s largest commercial TV network). It will be coordinated by Digital UK, formerly Switchco, an independent nonprofit created by broadcasters and commercial multiplex operators and involving the supply chain, the govt. said. Digital UK, which launches today (Fri.), will ensure the public has timely, accurate information, such as their transmitters will go digital and what they must do to receive the new signal. Jowell’s announcement pleased the consumer electronics industry. The U.K. has “shown the example to the rest of the European Union with regard to embracing the advantages of the digital revolution,” said Mark MacGann, dir. gen., European Information, Communications & Consumer Electronics Technology Industry Assns. European industry looks “forward to other member states announcing a clear timetable,” he said. Intellect, which represents the U.K. high tech sector, has urged the govt. to confirm a date for switchover. Intellect said it will continue to support Digital UK’s consumer communications campaign.