As the industry awaits the publication of a plan for the future of Freeview, a campaign group supporting older and vulnerable users has started a petition to plead their case to retain a basic free-to-air TV service.
Campaigners warn BBC is trying to rush a move to IPTV
Concerns over cost of broadband services needed to cater for streaming-only TV in poorer homes
No objection to IPTV in principle – but only if homes have the option of a terrestrial ‘safety net’
Silver Voices, a campaign group for older people is warning of the consequences of a potential decision to bin terrestrial TV in the next decade.
The group says the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 “are all working together to convince the Government to take the drastic step of an early transition to IPTV, without any genuine concern about the millions who would lose out from such a move”.
It says a move to IPTV would mean the end of a near universal free-to-air service, currently reaching 98.5% of households, where national moments of celebration and crisis can be shared.
Although the Government maintains that it has an open mind, the lobbying of the broadcasters is intense. Silver Voices says it fears “elements in the Government want to use an IPTV switchover as a battering ram in forcing the UK population to accept, and pay for, the digital revolution”. Concerns have already been raised about the level of access that tech companies have to ministers.
Campaigners stress they don’t object to IPTV in principle. However, they’d like to see the current hybrid system, where households can choose between the two systems, or continue with both as a safety net, be maintained for an extended period.
Cost concerns
Silver Voices also voiced concern that in a streaming-only world, viewers would need to afford a more expensive higher speed broadband internet contract. Typically, internet users pay more for faster connections with more bandwidth. Broadband contracts may increase by a higher percentage than pensions each year. Social tariffs are not available to all users on lower incomes.
Over the weekend, the petition to the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy exceeded 15,000 signatories.
Plans for the future of Freeview and a migration to IPTV is due to be published before mid-2026.
Battle for digital terrestrial TV
Freeview was previously reprieved in 2023, when an international conference on the use of frequencies determined digital terrestrial TV services could continue using existing spectrum for a while longer.
Other European countries are also pondering the future role of digital terrestrial TV services. France and the Netherlands are among the countries considering how 5G Broadcast may replace ultimately traditional universal-access services, allowing broadcasters to reach multiple devices with one signal. France and Spain have rolled out 4K UHD services terrestrially. Meanwhile, In Germany, the number of homes using free digital terrestrial TV services increased in the past year, as viewers opted to combine free public service channels with paid-for streaming services.
▶️Context: Terrestrial TV
- Since the conclusion of digital switchover in 2012, when the last analogue services were closed, all TV services in the UK are digital. Northern Ireland was the last place to switch off analogue TV in October 2012. London switched off analogue in April 2012.
- The correct technical term for the platform more commonly known as Freeview is “Digital Terrestrial Television”, or “DTT”. Some countries refer to “DVB-T/T2” – this relates to the broadcast standard of DTT.
- A minority of homes rely solely on streaming for their TV needs. By the end of the decade, it’s expected to reach 50%. Those still using a traditional way of receiving TV signals will be in the minority (albeit a significant one) in the early 2030s.
- DTT does not rely on internet connectivity. However, DTT can be used alongside internet services. The launch of hybrid platform Freeview Play a decade ago introduced new minimum device requirements for manufacturers of DTT receiving equipment. Devices must support a range of streaming apps alongside a backward Programme Guide for catch-up to carry Freeview Play branding. The Freeview brand can no longer be used by DTT equipment that doesn’t Freeview Play specifications.
- BBC Red Button services have already largely migrated online. The full set of Wimbledon streams and extra coverage of Glastonbury coverage are exclusively distributed via the iPlayer.
- Freely, the recently introduced heir apparent to Freeview, still relies on DTT signals. Freely devices connected to a TV aerial can, depending on location, access a wider range of channels. However, the number of channels using DTT-fallback is reducing all the time.
By: Marc Thornham