The internet is becoming a popular choice for UK households to access live and on-demand content, with a new report indicating a potential shift for all homes to internet-delivered TV by the mid-2030s. This transition could lead to the retirement of traditional terrestrial distribution methods, like Freeview.
Various alternatives to aerial-based TV viewing are already available, such as Sky’s streaming services and the Freely platform, linked to Freeview. Freely, integrated into many new TVs, offers broadband-connected access to live and on-demand TV content.
As more internet-connected devices enter households, fewer people are relying on traditional broadcast TV, favoring streaming services instead. Additionally, a challenge facing Freeview is the potential sharing of its radio frequencies with mobile operators post-2031, impacting over-the-air transmission viability.
The cost of maintaining the current TV distribution system is rising, prompting discussions within the UK government on future actions. Nick Herm, Sky’s Group Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the potential for internet-delivered TV to promote social inclusion and bridge the digital divide by the 2030s.
While some embrace the shift to streaming, concerns have been raised, with a petition against the discontinuation of Freeview garnering 100,000 signatures. The petition warns of the potential necessity for expensive broadband contracts for continued TV viewing if terrestrial signals are phased out.
Lynette, 80, from Kent, expressed her reliance on Freeview for entertainment, news, and learning, emphasizing her preference for traditional TV over online streaming services due to ease of use and reliability.
Further updates on the future of TV are anticipated, with developments in the industry expected to unfold.