The digital switchover as an information society initiative: the role of public policy in promoting access to digital ICTs

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The switchover to digital communications was launched as a major information society policy initiative across Europe, and was expected to be a key contributor to the spreading of internet access across all households. More than a decade after its introduction, and as the digital switchover is well-underway, digital television (DTV) is not delivering the promise of interactivity for all. Drawing on the principle of universal access as a politically determined and technologically bound concept, this article assesses the role of public policy in expanding and promoting the diffusion of new media technologies. More specifically, it reviews policy developments in the UK in order to examine the making of DTV as a universally available technology for broadcast transmissions; the lack of a commitment to support access to interactive services; and implications for end-users.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)295-302
Number of pages8
JournalTelematics and Informatics
Volume28
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Digital switchover
  • Information society
  • Internet access
  • Universal access

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The digital switchover as an information society initiative: the role of public policy in promoting access to digital ICTs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this