The problem with leading the world is that you meet all the pitfalls first.
Hence Britain’s pioneering digital TV system may soon land the government with a
huge bill. Research by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport shows that
nearly half of Britons will either refuse to convert to digital or be unable to
afford it. So if culture minister Chris Smith, or his successor, wants to switch
off analogue transmissions by 2010, they will have to meet the cost of
converting households that haven’t yet switched. “In six or seven years’ time a
converter box should cost £20…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Exclusive report: Inside Chernobyl, 40 years after nuclear disaster
2
Neanderthal infants were enormous compared with modern humans
3
You can now buy a DIY quantum computer
4
From autism to migraines, birth order may have wide-reaching effects
5
The biggest threat to Chernobyl is no longer radiation
6
Collapse of key ocean current may release billions of tonnes of carbon
7
How autoimmune conditions can unexpectedly drive mental illness
8
A key solution to climate change isn't happening – and that's good
9
Largest ever map of universe captures 47 million galaxies and quasars
10
People are refusing transfusions from donors vaccinated against covid
