Millions of households in the UK are already utilizing the internet for both live and on-demand viewing, and it appears that more Britons may soon join in. A recent study, commissioned by Sky, indicates that nearly all homes could have access to internet-based television by the mid-2030s, leading to the potential retirement of traditional terrestrial TV platforms like Freeview.
Various options already exist for watching TV without the need for an aerial, including Sky’s latest streaming services and the newly launched Freely platform, which shares ownership with Freeview. Freely is now integrated into many new televisions, offering viewers access to live and on-demand programming through a broadband connection.
As more internet-connected devices enter households, a decreasing number of individuals are relying on traditional broadcast TV, with a growing preference for streaming services.
An additional challenge facing Freeview is the upcoming need for sharing its radio frequencies with mobile operators in the UK after 2031. This could further diminish the viability of the current over-the-air transmission system.
The expenses associated with maintaining the aging TV distribution system are escalating, prompting discussions within the UK government regarding future strategies.
Nick Herm, Group Chief Operating Officer at Sky, emphasized the potential alignment of modern TV and social inclusion. He stated that transitioning entirely to internet-based TV by the 2030s is feasible and could aid in bridging the digital gap while offering cost savings by moving away from legacy systems.
While the shift to streaming may be welcomed by some, not everyone is enthusiastic. A petition opposing the discontinuation of Freeview has garnered 100,000 signatures, with concerns raised about the reliance on expensive broadband connections for streaming compared to the simplicity of aerial-based TV reception.
Lynette, an 80-year-old resident of Kent, expressed her displeasure with the proposed changes, highlighting the importance of Freeview for her daily television viewing habits.
Updates on the future landscape of television are anticipated to be disclosed shortly.