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The BBC said it would work with other broadcasters to develop such a service to begin to make a non-subscription digital satellite option a reality.

It made the call for the development of a free digital satellite service as part of its report, published today, which says the government target is challenging but realistic.

Andy Duncan, director of marketing, communications and audiences at the BBC, said: "By working with like-minded partners we would like to see an additional route to digital access -- free-to-air digital satellite -- become a viable and attractively simple option. This will ensure all our audiences can have access to the BBC's comprehensive portfolio of digital services and the fully digital world."

The BBC report on digital switchover, 'Progress Towards Achieving Digital Switchover', says that the switchover date can be met given consumer enthusiasm and the right policy framework.

The report, which follows the BBC's submission to the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, sets out key recommendations that it believes are essential if the UK is to achieve switchover from analogue to digital television.

Top of the BBC's list is a clear government commitment to establishing an appropriate regional switchover sequence, with a dedicated organisation to manage the switchover programme to quickly follow.

The report also says that significant investment must be available to support the marketing and communications campaigns that will be key to ensuring the audience is able to make the move to digital.

"The BBC fully recognises that digital switchover has the potential to bring great economic, social and cultural value to Britain. Most importantly we are focused on our audiences and are aware of the danger of a deeper digital divide," Duncan said.

Growth of the UK's digital market has been a great success to date, with digital television available in more than 54% of homes with a significant contribution from Freeview, the BBC's digital terrestrial service.

The BBC said its investment in digital channels and subsequent promotions has also played a pivotal role in exciting consumer interest in digital, tackling their initial confusion and assuaging their fears.

However, the BBC said that there was a need for the government to recognise the risks of switchover for the industry and work to underwrite the costs of any delays.

Carolyn Fairbairn, director of strategy and distribution at the BBC, added: "The BBC has been making a vital contribution to bringing public service broadcasting into the digital age. On the final stage of the journey towards a fully digital Britain we want to see our services available to all licence-fee payers as quickly as possible and ensure that there are no pockets of people who are digitally disenfranchised."

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