The Labour Party government is drawing up plans to switch off terrestrial television for over one million households in the UK. A green paper, expected to be published in the coming weeks, will outline the proposed phasing out of traditional TV signals.
Government Proposals
The plans have already been signed off by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. The green paper will detail the strategy for transitioning away from terrestrial TV, as more viewers turn to internet-based streaming platforms.
A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: "We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms. That is why the Government is currently working across the TV sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK. This will include a decision, as soon as possible, on whether to extend the current commitment to digital terrestrial television beyond 2034."
Concerns Over Digital Divide
Broadband Genie's Alex Tofts warned: "While moving to a full internet-delivered TV system would offer better features, higher video quality and savings on infrastructure and maintenance costs, we cannot underestimate the risk of leaving thousands of people excluded and widening the digital divide. Reliable broadband access is not universal and for some low-income households, the cost of subscriptions, compatible devices, and sufficient data allowances remains a significant barrier. Terrestrial TV is free to receive, requires no monthly connectivity cost, and is resilient even in rural or hard-to-reach areas."
Services such as Freeview will remain in place until at least 2034, but no decision has been made about what will happen beyond that date. Mr Tofts added: "Current broadband infrastructure gaps are still significant. Without addressing these challenges, a move to internet-only TV could risk cutting off some of the most vulnerable households."
