UK ministers consider dtt switch off safeguards.
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Tony Scanlon
9:22 AM (12 hours ago) 9:22 AM
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"UK ministers consider DTT switch-off safeguards
UK ministers are drawing up plans for a possible switch-off of digital terrestrial television, with approval dependent on safeguards for older, vulnerable and low-income audiences.
According to The Telegraph, the government is supportive of a long-term transition from traditional broadcast signals to internet-delivered television, but only if affordable broadband is available across the UK.
The conditions are expected to be set out in a forthcoming green paper, a government discussion document. They include nationwide access to superfast broadband, simple streaming TV interfaces, and support from broadcasters and internet providers for viewers making the transition.
Under current legislation, digital terrestrial television is guaranteed until at least 2034. Campaigners have argued this should be extended to 2040, warning that vulnerable audiences could otherwise be left behind.
Public service broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are backing a move towards IP delivery, arguing that maintaining terrestrial transmission networks is increasingly costly as viewing shifts online.
The broadcasters have already launched Freely, the streaming-based successor to Freeview, offering live and on demand channels over broadband. The service is available on smart TVs and, more recently, through streaming sticks for older sets.
A key issue remains affordability. The government is understood to be examining support for the estimated 1 million households struggling to pay for broadband, potentially through subsidy or a levy on bills.
A DCMS spokesman said the government was committed to ensuring “no one is left behind” as TV viewing moves online, adding that a decision on whether to extend DTT beyond 2034 would be made “as soon as possible”.
It’s the opinion of Broadband TV News that smaller commercial broadcasters without public service obligations will simply vote with their feet and gradually leave the Freeview platform to the PSBs.
Julian Clover is a Media and Technology journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He works in online and printed media. Julian is also a voice on local radio. You can talk to Julian on X @julianclover, or by email at jcl...@broadbandtvnews.com."
UK ministers are drawing up plans for a possible switch-off of digital terrestrial television, with approval dependent on safeguards for older, vulnerable and low-income audiences.
According to The Telegraph, the government is supportive of a long-term transition from traditional broadcast signals to internet-delivered television, but only if affordable broadband is available across the UK.
The conditions are expected to be set out in a forthcoming green paper, a government discussion document. They include nationwide access to superfast broadband, simple streaming TV interfaces, and support from broadcasters and internet providers for viewers making the transition.
Under current legislation, digital terrestrial television is guaranteed until at least 2034. Campaigners have argued this should be extended to 2040, warning that vulnerable audiences could otherwise be left behind.
Public service broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are backing a move towards IP delivery, arguing that maintaining terrestrial transmission networks is increasingly costly as viewing shifts online.
The broadcasters have already launched Freely, the streaming-based successor to Freeview, offering live and on demand channels over broadband. The service is available on smart TVs and, more recently, through streaming sticks for older sets.
A key issue remains affordability. The government is understood to be examining support for the estimated 1 million households struggling to pay for broadband, potentially through subsidy or a levy on bills.
A DCMS spokesman said the government was committed to ensuring “no one is left behind” as TV viewing moves online, adding that a decision on whether to extend DTT beyond 2034 would be made “as soon as possible”.
It’s the opinion of Broadband TV News that smaller commercial broadcasters without public service obligations will simply vote with their feet and gradually leave the Freeview platform to the PSBs.
Julian Clover is a Media and Technology journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He works in online and printed media. Julian is also a voice on local radio. You can talk to Julian on X @julianclover, or by email at jcl...@broadbandtvnews.com."
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