Culture Secretary Chris Smith will tell delegates at the Royal Television Society Convention Friday that the analogue turn-off will happen as soon as 2006.
Currently around 1.5 million households have digital TVs, either via Sky Digital or ONdigital. Mr Smith will reassure broadcasters that no switch-off will occur until 95 percent of homes have a digital receiver.
Mr Smith is not expected to comment on whether the government will agree to increasing the digital TV license fee. A government panel recommended an increase of around £24 to support new BBC content.
More news on this after the announcement.
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