The Government is weighing up whether to end Freeview which would force millions of households to rely on internet connection for TV viewing – with concerns raised over elderly and rural communities
A development regarding the proposed closure of Freeview has prompted campaigners to urge public engagement over potential consequences for viewers. The Government is considering whether to axe it entirely by 2034 – a move that would compel millions of households to rely solely on internet connections for television access.
Particular worries have emerged concerning elderly people and those in countryside areas – prompting the Countryside Alliance to launch a survey. It said: “For many people living in rural communities, television is more than just entertainment: it is a vital lifeline for news, information, and connection – particularly for older residents or those who may feel isolated.
The majority remain oblivious that this decision is even under consideration. Almost seven in 10 people are unaware the government is poised to determine Freeview’s future, according to research cited by the Big Issue.
“The BBC has proposed switching off Freeview (digital terrestrial television) by the mid-2030s. This means households would need a high-speed broadband subscription to access BBC channels, potentially costing them hundreds of pounds per year.”
“While there has been progress in improving rural broadband, there are still areas where connectivity is unreliable or too slow to support streaming. Any move to an internet-only service before fast broadband is available to all rural households risks leaving communities behind.” People can respond to their survey here. Ministers are weighing up whether to extend Freeview until the mid-2040s or shut it down completely in 2034, compelling millions of viewers to depend entirely on the internet for television access.
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The BBC has proposed plans to shut down digital terrestrial television (DTT, or Freeview) by 2034. Such a decision would require every UK household to obtain a high-speed broadband package or lose access to BBC content. For the first time, a subscription would be essential to view “free-to-air” UK television. Reports indicate that television viewing costs could rise by £200 per year in high-speed broadband fees for some of society’s most disadvantaged people.
A petition on Change.Org has received tremendous support, collecting more than 147,000 signatures in recent weeks, highlighting the strength of public sentiment on this issue. This comes after Sky published research urging the Government to ditch traditional broadcasting and ‘move fully to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s’. Recently, independent MP Dan Norris posed a question to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, asking: “If the department will make an assessment of the potential effect of turning off Freeview on areas with poor broadband connectivity.”
In reply, Ian Murray, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, assured that this issue would be considered: “Digital inclusion and ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality, reliable broadband is a priority for the Government. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to ensure that all aspects of digital inclusion are considered as part of any decisions we make on the future of digital terrestrial television.”
He had previously put a question to Ms Nandy asking: “What steps is her department taking to ensure the Freeview TV distribution system remains available to all?” Mr Murray replied: “Digital inclusion and ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality, reliable broadband is a priority for the Government.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to ensure that all aspects of digital inclusion are considered as part of any decisions we make on the future of digital terrestrial television.
“The Department is leading a project to assess the future of TV distribution and we are committed to maintaining access for all. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is protected until at least 2034, safeguarding access for millions of households. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, especially those who rely on DTT as their primary means of watching television.”
Freeview’s future is presently being scrutinised across the UK, with services potentially ending by 2034 as Government officials consider transitioning to internet-only broadcasting. While 94% of households nationwide possess internet access, such a transformation could abandon hundreds of thousands of frequently vulnerable properties without television coverage, sparking demands for extra assistance programmes. The petition, which can be viewed here, said: “Terrestrial television, received through an aerial, often known as Freeview, is under serious threat of being scrapped. Within months the Government will decide whether to turn off terrestrial signals and rely solely on internet-based TV (IPTV) in the future.”
“This would mean that every household would be forced to take out an expensive fixed broadband contract if they wished to continue watching their favourite TV programmes. “Radio reception and signals for emergency services could also be put at risk. Millions of older and disabled people, and those on low and modest incomes, would lose their essential access to TV to keep them in touch with the world and to prevent isolation and loneliness.
A spokesperson from the Future TV Taskforce, a group made up of public service broadcasters and Everyone TV, has stated: “The Taskforce supports a carefully planned, managed transition from digital terrestrial television (DTT) to internet‐delivered TV and a potential switch‐off in the mid‐2030s, as part of a broader, UK‐wide digital inclusion and transition plan.”For many people living in rural communities, television is more than just entertainment: it is a vital lifeline for news, information, and connection – particularly for older residents or those who may feel isolated.
Most people are unaware this decision is even being considered. Nearly seven in 10 citizens do not know the government is about to decide the fate of Freeview, according to one survey reported by the Big Issue.
“Done well, this approach can protect universal access to public service broadcasting; support innovation and investment across the TV sector; and deliver long‐term benefits for viewers and the UK economy. Above all, the Future TV Taskforce believes that the future of television should be inclusive, resilient, and designed around the needs of all audiences to ensure that everyone can continue to access trusted UK content as technology and viewing habits evolve.”
The issue was recently discussed during a parliamentary debate, where MPs stressed that the beloved Freeview platform could be under threat, calling on ministers to protect it for the 16 million households who depend on it. Freeview reaches 16 million homes throughout the UK, positioning itself as the main television platform for 40% of households owning a television and the country’s biggest TV service. The platform functions through traditional aerials. During a Westminster Hall debate, parliamentarians expressed considerable concerns about its long-term survival.
They stressed that the licences supporting terrestrial broadcasting are due to expire in 2034, with no government pledge yet secured to renew them, potentially making television available only through internet connections. Conservative MP David Mundell stated: “Freeview is a universal service reaching 98.5% of the UK population, including those in remote and rural areas. It is available at no additional cost over and above the licence fee. This is a crucial point: people do not need to pay any additional monthly bills to watch terrestrial TV; all they need is a TV set and an aerial.
“The options for watching TV have broadened in the last few years, with the arrival of TV streaming over the internet, or IPTV, as it is known. Many of us enjoy those services, but the fact is that to do so, someone needs a high-speed fixed broadband subscription of sufficient speed and reliability, and not everyone has that.”
In her response, Stephanie Peacock, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, recognised: “The way we watch TV is changing rapidly. Over the past decade, we have seen significant shifts in how content is delivered and consumed. Increasing numbers of viewers are moving to internet-based platforms, both for on demand content and, increasingly, for live programming.”
She continued: “DTT is guaranteed until at least 2034. Before making any decisions, we will carefully consider the challenges for public service broadcasters and, importantly, the impact on loyal daily viewers, especially those who rely on digital terrestrial services.”
The petition can be viewed and signed here. Respond to the Countryside Alliance survey here.