As more UK households embrace online viewing, a new report suggests that internet-delivered TV may become the norm by the mid-2030s. This shift could lead to the retirement of traditional terrestrial TV platforms like Freeview.
Several options already exist for aerial-free TV viewing, including Sky’s streaming services and the Freely platform, affiliated with Freeview. Freely, integrated into many new TVs, offers live and on-demand content through broadband connections.
With the rise of internet-connected devices, fewer people are relying on traditional broadcast TV, turning instead to streaming services. Additionally, after 2031, Freeview may face challenges as mobile operators seek to share its radio frequencies, potentially impacting its over-the-air transmission system.
The growing maintenance costs of the current TV distribution system have prompted discussions within the UK government about future strategies. Nick Herm, Sky’s Group Chief Operating Officer, believes that transitioning to internet-delivered TV by the 2030s could bridge the digital divide and save on legacy system maintenance expenses.
While some welcome the move to streaming, others have concerns. A petition opposing the discontinuation of Freeview has garnered 100,000 signatures, with many expressing difficulties in accessing TV content without it. The petition raises worries about the potential requirement for costly broadband contracts for continued TV viewing post the terrestrial signal switch-off.
Lynette, an 80-year-old resident of Kent, emphasizes the importance of Freeview for entertainment, news, and learning. She prefers the simplicity of traditional TV over navigating apps and encountering technical issues with online streaming.
Updates on the future of TV are anticipated in the near future.