Overview
- DCMS says it will decide "as soon as possible" on extending digital terrestrial television, with ministers reiterating Freeview is guaranteed until at least 2034.
- A Change.org campaign backed by Silver Voices, the Digital Poverty Alliance and Broadcast 2040+ has surpassed 100,000 signatures, intensifying pressure on ministers.
- Sky-backed research argues the UK could move fully to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s, projecting about 330,000 households left without TV by 2034 if the transition is planned and supported.
- MPs raised concerns in a Westminster Hall debate, highlighting Freeview’s reach of roughly 98.5% of the population and its importance for rural, low-income and older viewers.
- Charities including Age UK warn an early switch could deepen digital exclusion unless broadband, devices and digital skills support are in place, with campaigners also voicing unverified concerns about wider signal resilience.