A petition has been launched by the Countryside Alliance in a bid to save Freeview’s over-the-air broadcasts amid fears of a 2030s switch-off
The future of digital TV over-air hangs in the balance as services could be axed in under a decade, following a parliamentary briefing regarding Freeview provision. A campaign has been launched by the Countryside Alliance attempting to preserve Freeview’s over-the-air transmissions after ministers suggested a potential termination date for the service.
Up to 18 million UK homes continue to rely on Freeview, the complimentary digital terrestrial service that comes built into every television, alongside its free satellite counterpart Freesat.
However, Freeview is only secured to keep broadcasting over-air until 2034, with its continuation beyond that point remaining uncertain (or potentially no longer airborne, depending on the outcome).
MP Dan Norris enquired about ‘the potential effect of turning off Freeview on areas with poor broadband connectivity’, reports the Express.
Ian Murray, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, revealed that government is currently reviewing the future of digital television across the UK.
He stated: “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.”
A government report on terrestrial television’s future published in September identifies a potential ‘switch off’ during the 2030s as an option under consideration for Freeview.
The document stated that Ofcom has outlined ‘three broad approaches’ for ministers to examine, including:
The Countryside Alliance warns this would deal a devastating blow to rural dwellers, who continue depending on over-the-air transmissions where reliable internet remains patchy, sluggish or occasionally entirely absent.
The organisation states: “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.”
The Broadcast 2040+ initiative was established in 2022 by Arqiva (the supplier of the DTT infrastructure). The initiative aims to safeguard the future of free-to-air broadcast television and radio services past 2034.
Originally spearheaded by five members, the organisation’s membership has grown to 37 groups.
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