Exclusive: Polling has revealed that 1 in 3 say they could not afford at all the better high-speed broadband package they would need to stream big sporting live events like the World Cup reliably
Millions of football fans miss risking future World Cups if plans to switch off Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) go ahead, campaigners have warned.
Free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is only secure until the early 2030s, when current licences expire.
Now polling has revealed that 1 in 3 say they could not afford at all the better high-speed broadband package they would need to stream big sporting live events like the World Cup reliably.
Based on polling 12,000 voters across 100 of the most marginal Labour-held constituencies, 80% say it is important that major sporting events remain free to watch, including 50% who say it is very important.
The survey found 73% have watched the World Cup or Euros live on free-to-air television, and 74% agree it would be wrong to force football fans to pay for broadband to watch the World Cup, compared with only 10% who disagree.
Some 70% say major sporting events should be guaranteed free over the air, rather than being dependent on an internet connection.
A move to IPTV-only services would require all viewers to rely on fixed broadband, raising affordability and accessibility concerns, particularly for older people, those with disabilities, and low-income households.
Campaigners warn proposals to phase out DTT would effectively turn major national moments into pay-to-watch content.
A spokesperson for Broadcast 2040+ said: “Switching off DTT risks turning shared national moments into a luxury.
“The World Cup should be something the whole country can watch together — not just those who can afford fast broadband or multiple subscriptions.
“The people who will suffer most are the most vulnerable: older viewers, rural communities and lower-income families who rely on aerial TV as their primary — sometimes only — way of accessing live broadcasts. For many, Freeview is a lifeline to the national conversation, from World Cup nights to Wimbledon finals.”
Labour MP Joe Morris, who is backing the campaign, added: “Coming together to watch World Cup games on free tv is an irreplaceable feeling. Moving those moments behind an internet paywall would be unpopular in communities like mine. “
It comes with a petition to protect free-to-air terrestrial TV sitting on 155,000 signatures.
Responding, a Government spokesperson said: “The government will continue to safeguard access to watching the World Cup for years to come, and we are absolutely committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves online.”