The UK government is reportedly preparing to consult on plans to phase out Freeview television services after 2034, a move that could significantly alter how millions of Britons access television.
The proposal, expected to be detailed in a consultation paper within weeks, outlines a path toward ending digital terrestrial television (DTT), which relies on aerial reception. Freeview currently serves 13.6 million homes across the UK, representing 40% of all households with a television set. This transition would likely shift viewing to internet-based platforms.
Critics express concern that such a move could increase costs for consumers, potentially adding around £200 in broadband charges for some households. While the government states the switch-off would depend on the universal availability of affordable superfast broadband, its own research indicates that approximately one million homes struggle to afford current broadband services.
Organizations like Silver Voices, a group representing older people, have launched a petition to protect Freeview. They argue that the proponents of a shift to internet-based services, referred to as The Connection Project, are primarily comprised of telecoms companies, banks, and broadcasters who stand to benefit financially from the closure of DTT. Dennis Reed of Silver Voices stated, "The companies funding The Connection Project all have a commercial interest in moving services online. We should not let the future of free-to-air television be shaped by those who stand to gain from its disappearance. Older viewers deserve better."
Conversely, The Connection Project maintains that a Freeview equivalent could still be provided via broadband, emphasizing the importance of preserving the right to free public-service television. They suggest that an internet-streamed TV model could offer more free programming, potentially with subsidized broadband costs for those in need. The Future TV Taskforce, an industry consortium including public service broadcasters, views a transition to internet delivery in the mid-2030s as an opportunity to bridge the digital divide by ensuring universal online access. They highlight that consumer behavior is already shifting towards online viewing and advocate for a planned, organized transition that addresses connectivity and affordability.
The BBC has indicated its support for the government's consideration of these transitions, stating it will play a part in ensuring conditions are in place to prevent anyone from being left behind and to realize the benefits of digital inclusion. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has committed to ensuring no one is disadvantaged by the move to online platforms and is working with the TV sector on a sustainable long-term distribution approach.