The internet has become a popular medium for watching live and on-demand content in millions of UK households. A recent report commissioned by Sky suggests that by the mid-2030s, nearly all households could have access to internet-delivered TV, potentially leading to the retirement of traditional terrestrial distribution methods like Freeview.
Various options already exist for watching TV without the need for an aerial, including Sky’s latest streaming offerings and the new Freely service, which is linked to Freeview. Freely is integrated into many new TVs, providing access to both live and on-demand television through a broadband connection.
As more internet-connected devices make their way into homes, traditional broadcast TV viewership is declining, with an increasing number of households turning to streaming services.
One challenge facing Freeview is the potential sharing of its radio frequencies with mobile operators after 2031, which could further undermine the current over-the-air transmission system’s viability. The costs associated with maintaining this aging infrastructure are also escalating, prompting discussions within the UK government about future steps.
Nick Herm, Group Chief Operating Officer at Sky, highlighted the potential benefits of transitioning to internet-delivered TV, emphasizing the opportunity to bridge the digital divide while saving significant costs on legacy systems. The Government’s investment in skills and affordable connectivity for households still reliant on traditional TV could yield broader societal advantages beyond television.
Despite the growing shift towards streaming, there is resistance from some quarters. A petition opposing the elimination of Freeview, which has garnered 100,000 signatures, underscores concerns about the necessity of an aerial for traditional TV reception compared to the requirement for a stable and costly internet connection for streaming services.
Lynette, an 80-year-old resident of Kent, expressed her discontent with the potential phasing out of Freeview, emphasizing its importance for her entertainment, news consumption, and learning. She voiced concerns about the complexities associated with streaming services and the preference for the simplicity of traditional TV viewing.
Updates on the future of TV are anticipated in the near future.
