The study, gauging the awareness of new technologies, across 2,700 households and 300 small businesses shows that older people are least likely to be aware of, understand or own new digital technologies.
According to the survey, the awareness of digital switchover has doubled since 2005 to 52%, but 60% of low-income households, earning £11,500 a year or less, are unaware of the drive towards a digital future.
Colette Bowe, chairman of the Ofcom Consumer Panel, said: "There have been some encouraging improvements since last year, especially around people's awareness of digital TV and broadband, but it is clear that certain groups within society are not reaping full benefit from the communications market.
"Low-income households, for example, are less likely to have the internet or landlines, but spend proportionately more of their income on communications technology."
According to the findings, friends and family are still the most important source of information and advice for almost half of UK consumers, but people over 65 are significantly less likely to know someone who could advise them on the switch to digital technology, be it broadcast or internet.
Bowe added: "The panel is conducting further research to understand the barriers and motivating factors for older people, which we will release in July this year. Our research provides a vital stock take for the communications industry and shows there are still problems which it needs to address."
The report also revealed that low-income households are twice as likely than the national average to feel they can not afford the internet due to cost.
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