Campaigners for the deaf are celebrating after winning important concessions on subtitling to the Communications Act.

For the first time, cable and satellite broadcasters will have an obligation to subtitle 60 per cent of their programmes within five years - with the target rising to 80 per cent after 10 years.

Recent NOP research has revealed that a million people in the UK use subtitling services whenever possible and five million use them frequently.

Broadcasters will also have a duty to effectively promote subtitling services after the NOP survey revealed that half a million potential users did not know how to access the service. Additional powers were given to the industry regulator, Ofcom, to insist on increased standards from those broadcasters "who have the capacity to deliver".

The government conceded to the changes to head-off a threatened rebellion in the House of Lords, led by Labour peer and disability rights campaigner, Lord Ashley of Stoke.

The RNID welcomed the subtitling amendments, describing the move as "a major shift" in government policy.

"Television is a window on the world for many deaf and hard of hearing people. The government's decision to revolutionise subtitling requirements will dramatically extend access and choice for millions of people across the UK," said RNID Chief Executive, John Low. "It is now imperative that Ofcom uses these powers to deliver a truly inclusive service."

The bill received Royal Assent on July 17.