Switching off Freeview, the United Kingdom's primary digital terrestrial television (DTT) service, within the next decade could leave millions of rural households unable to watch television, Labour has been warned. Campaigners are urging the government to delay the move until at least the 2040s, arguing that ending DTT will disproportionately affect residents in rural areas.
A government Green Paper published last month outlined proposals to transition away from aerial-based DTT in favor of internet services, with the earliest potential switch-off date set for 2034. This change would mean the end of Freeview, which currently reaches 13.6 million homes across the UK and serves as the main television platform for 40% of households with a set. Projections indicate that as many as 1.5 million households may still rely on DTT by 2035.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the proposed move is necessary as "the media landscape moves further and further online." However, campaign groups like Broadcast 2040+ are advocating for the transition to be delayed until at least 2044. They have formally written to Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, a minister in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, urging the government to consider the future of DTT as a test case for its commitment to "rural-proofing."
Critics argue that transitioning to internet streaming for Freeview channels would leave millions without any access to television. Government data from January shows that while 89% of English households in rural areas receive indoor 4G coverage from all four major operators, this figure rises to 97% in urban areas. Approximately 1.5% of all homes have no 4G access from any network. Furthermore, government data released last month indicates that only 70% of rural residences have access to gigabit-capable broadband, compared to 92% in towns and cities. In the most remote rural areas, this figure drops to just 60%.
Gigabit-capable broadband provides speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps, which is 20 times faster than standard broadband. As of November, Ofcom reported that 26,000 properties in England still lack adequate broadband connectivity altogether. Critics contend that ending Freeview as early as 2034 will leave many homes without sufficient broadband to reliably watch television and could force millions to pay significantly more for internet packages.
Broadcast 2040+ also highlights that the demographics of individuals living outside urban areas, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, are more likely to be affected by these changes. In 2024, 27% of people residing in rural areas were aged 65 or older, compared to 18% in urban areas outside of London.
Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, warned that switching off Freeview could become a significant issue for the government, akin to the "winter fuel payment" debate. He stated that proceeding with this plan prematurely would be detrimental to low-income families, pensioners unable to afford new broadband contracts, and those in isolated rural communities lacking adequate broadband access.
A petition initiated by Reed, along with the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Broadcast 2040+ Coalition, calling for Freeview to be preserved until at least the mid-2040s, has garnered over 158,000 signatures.
A spokesperson for Broadcast 2040+ emphasized that the government's own report acknowledges persistent gaps in rural connectivity and commits to not treating rural communities as an afterthought. They urged the government to conduct a comprehensive rural impact assessment and protect terrestrial television until every household has an affordable, accessible, and reliable alternative.
In response, a government spokesperson acknowledged a strong case for a long-term transition to internet protocol television (IPTV) but stressed that no final decisions have been made. The spokesperson stated that the media Green Paper aims to gather public and sector views before any final decisions are taken and that the government is committed to ensuring no one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves online. They assured that any future transition would only proceed once adequate safeguards, infrastructure, and support are in place to ensure everyone can continue to access television affordably and with confidence.