Britain is still divided by a digital gulf which separates the elderly and lower-income households from the rest of the nation, according to Ofcom.
Crucial to driving an awareness of digital communications among these groups is television and, although the message is starting to get through that digital television will soon be a necessity for those who want to watch once the analogue signal is switched off in the UK, it isn't reaching all quarters equally.
Nationwide, awareness of the digital switchover, pencilled in for 2010, has reached 52 percent, which represents a doubling since 2005. However, among the elderly and low-income households that figure is still just 40 percent.
Research from Ofcom found that friends and family are the most important source of information and the regulatory body expressed concern that people over 65 may be far less likely to know somebody who will help with the digital switchover.
In total, 77 percent of over-65s said they do not keep up with new developments in communications technology.
A lack of understanding of new communications among the poor is also proving a problematic cycle to break, said Colette Bowe, chairman of Ofcom's independent consumer panel, the group which conducted the research.
Bowe said lower-income households spend proportionately more on communications than any other group and yet they are also the least likely to switch suppliers, with many favouring mobile phones over landlines.
Talkback
Over 65's are not interested in constantly upgrading to the latest mobile phone / games console / HD tv etc. They are quite happy with the technology they have as they only see the need for things to work to their requirements.
This is where most advertising goes wrong as it is trying to entice the current user to upgrade to the latest technology rather than explaining the benefits of getting the technology in the first place - if its needed at all.
Perhaps the TV Companies should be using clearer and better focused ad-style campaigns to raise awareness. I think we need to have a true multimedia (TV/Radio/Internet/Press/Billboards etc) campaign which sets out clearly whats going to happen.
The current BBC campaign is complete rubbish, it tells you nothing other than you'll get 8 or so BBC Channels. What a joke.
And it's not just over 65's that don't necessarily understand what it all means, I know people in their 50's who remain confused!