Nearly 50 Members of Parliament are urging the Labour government to delay the planned shutdown of Freeview television by ten years, expressing concerns that up to five million households could be left without essential communication channels during national emergencies. The lawmakers have written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, proposing that the transition away from aerial-based Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) be pushed back to 2044, rather than the earliest proposed date of 2034.
A Green Paper published in June outlined proposals to end DTT services, which would render over 70 standard and up to 15 HD channels, including major broadcasters like BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, inaccessible via aerial. These channels would then only be available through internet-based streaming services. Campaigners argue this transition would compel millions to subscribe to higher-cost broadband packages.
Freeview currently reaches 13.6 million homes across the United Kingdom and serves as the primary television platform for 40% of households. The MPs' letter warns that an accelerated switch-off would impose billions in costs on taxpayers, increase household bills, and diminish the nation's resilience during crises. They contend that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, families on tight budgets, individuals with disabilities, and those in rural or island communities with unreliable broadband, would be disproportionately affected.
"A premature switch-off in 2034 risks cutting five million households off from a television service they rely on, imposing billions in upfront and rolling costs on the taxpayer, driving up household bills, and leaving the nation weaker and less resilient in times of emergency," the letter states. The cross-party signatories include Conservative MP Katie Lam, former Labour Cabinet Minister Steve Reed, and shadow transport secretary Richard Holden.
Concerns about broadband access in rural areas have also been highlighted. Government data indicates that as of January, only 89% of English households in rural areas have indoor 4G coverage from all four operators, compared to 97% in urban areas. Furthermore, only 70% of rural residences have access to gigabit-capable broadband, dropping to 60% in the most remote areas. As of November, approximately 26,000 properties in England reportedly lack adequate broadband connection altogether.
Campaign groups such as Broadcast 2040+ and Silver Voices have also voiced opposition to the early switch-off. A petition advocating for Freeview's continuation until at least the mid-2040s has garnered 160,000 signatures. Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, previously described the potential shutdown as a "Burnham's winter fuel moment," suggesting it could lead to significant public backlash if it disadvantages low-income families, pensioners, and those in areas with poor broadband coverage.