Broadcast regulator Ofcom has approved a request by the BBC to renew the licence of its Freeview HD multiplex by five years, ensuring the continuation of HD services on the UK’s digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform.
The BBC was the last broadcaster eligible to use Ofcom’s provision for limited-term renewals while the industry debates the long-term future of DTT. Without the extension, Freeview HD channels would have gone off air during 2026. All other national, non-BBC licences were renewed in 2022/23.
According to Ofcom’s regulatory notice, the BBC submitted its application in February, with formal approval granted on Friday 5 December.
The corporation had previously told a Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) consultation that it wanted to wait until closer to the expiry date before deciding whether to renew.
However, the licence is only renewed until the end of 2030 – four years earlier than the licences for other Freeview services. Ahead of the publication of plans regarding the future of DTT, the shorter renewal signals the beginning of a phased reduction in service.
BBC as Freeview HD gatekeeper
Following spectrum reductions in the early 2020s, the BBC became the sole holder of HD channel capacity on Freeview. Its custodianship dates back to 2008, when Ofcom ordered a reorganisation of multiplexes to accommodate HD services and required the BBC to make capacity available to other public service broadcasters.
It took until 2016 for all five main channels to be carried in HD, and until 2023 before every region could receive BBC One HD with localised output. ITV1 HD remains only partially regionalised, with some viewers still receiving the wrong regional news on channel 103. The service is also absent in the Channel Islands. Additional commercial capacity for Freeview HD channels was available between 2013-2022 before frequencies were surrendered for 5G mobile services.
The BBC delayed renewal as it was unsure over the future role of the multiplex. Most of the capacity is used to duplicate services already in standard definition. Freeview is the only major TV platform in the UK to continue simulcasting all five main channels in both standard and high definition.
How does this affect me?
For now, all Freeview HD channels remain on air and no action is required.
In early 2026, Ofcom together with industry members is expected to confirm a detailed plan for the future of digital terrestrial television in the UK. The BBC is among larger broadcasters eager to accelerate a switch to streaming. Smaller broadcasters have supported a longer transition.
When this plan is released, more information on what this means for your Freeview TV service will be confirmed.
Alongside this, there also should be a more detailed plan on how broadcasters and the wider telecoms industry are going to help more viewers switch to streaming. Additionally, there should be more information about any planned back-up to streaming, e.g. a residual terrestrial or satellite service.
What’s the background to this decision?
Freeview is made up of six national multiplexes, each containing a bundle of channels that when combined make up the full service. In some locations, a seventh multiplex is available, carrying local TV.
In 2022, the Government gave Ofcom the ability to renew multiplex licences for five of the national multiplexes and the local multiplex up to no later than 31 December 2034.
Without these renewals, multiplexes would have fallen off air as each licence expired. The only national multiplex exempt from the renewals is the BBC’s other multiplex, which carries its channels in standard definition. The licence for that multiplex is linked to the BBC’s Royal Charter expiring in 2027. Its renewal is the subject of separate negotiations.
Overview: DTT Multiplexes and expiry dates
| Multiplex | Licence end date | Further information |
|---|---|---|
| PSB1 (BBC-A) | 31 December 2027 | End date linked to Royal Charter. |
| PSB2 (Digital 3 and 4) | 31 December 2034 | Services from ITV, Channel 4 and 5 in standard definition. |
| PSB3 (BBC-B) | 31 December 2030 | A selection of HD and SD channels. |
| COM4 (SDN) | 31 December 2034 | Commercial channels. |
| COM5 (Arqiva A) | 31 December 2034 | Commercial channels. |
| COM6 (Arqiva B) | 31 December 2034 | Commercial channels. |
| Local (Comux) | 31 December 2034 | Local TV + additional commercial services. |
By: Marc Thornham