Freeview possible 'turn off date' issued by government in new statement

The government has confirmed the date that Freeview services in the UK could be switched off, potentially affecting millions of households across the country. In a fresh update, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has revealed the date until which licences have been granted - while stating 'no decision' has been taken regarding what happens beyond that point.

Ministers are currently reviewing proposals to scrap terrestrial television and move to digital-only, internet-based services. In a fresh response to a Parliamentary written question, the DCMS confirmed this cut-off date is 2034 - in fewer than eight years.

This would force millions of households to depend entirely on internet connectivity for television access. Concerns have been raised that vulnerable groups - particularly elderly people and those in rural areas - could be left isolated. Recent polling reveals that almost 7 in 10 UK residents remain unaware the government is considering switching off traditional Freeview services. Freeview reaches 13.6 million homes across the UK, establishing itself as the main television platform for 40% of households with a TV set and the nation's largest television service. The platform functions through traditional aerials.

During a Westminster Hall debate, MPs voiced significant concerns about its long-term viability, highlighting that the licences supporting terrestrial broadcasting are set to expire in 2034, with no government commitment yet obtained to renew them - a scenario that could potentially leave television accessible only through internet connections.

The petition is available to view and sign here. You can also take part in the Countryside Alliance survey here.

Labour MP Peter Lamb asked Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy: "What plans she has to update the current terrestrial TV/Freeview licences following the Consultation on the renewal of digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences."

In response, Ian Murray, Minister of State jointly for Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed the potential end date: "Following the consultation in 2021 on the renewal of digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences to which my honourable friend refers, Parliament legislated to secure the future of DTT until at least 2034. No decision has yet been made about the future of the DTT platform beyond this point."

The BBC has put forward proposals to switch off digital terrestrial television (DTT, or Freeview) by 2034. Such a change would mean every UK household must secure a high-speed broadband package or lose access to BBC content. For the first time, a subscription would be necessary to watch "free-to-air" UK television. Estimates indicate that the cost of television viewing could increase by £200 annually in high-speed broadband charges for some of society's most vulnerable individuals.

The Countryside Alliance has launched a survey to collect views from those residing in rural areas. Meanwhile, a petition on Change.Org has attracted significant backing, gathering over 148,000 signatures in recent weeks against the plans. MPs have been voicing concerns through written questions to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with officials responding yesterday. Liberal Democrat Cameron Thomas posed the question to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy: "What consideration has the Government given to extending Freeview as a service beyond 2034?"

Labour's Peter Lamb asked: "What plans she has to update the current terrestrial TV/Freeview licences following the Consultation on the renewal of digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences.", reports Chronicle Live. In response, Minister of State for Digital Government and Data Ian Murray confirmed that no decision has yet been reached: "Following the consultation in 2021 on the renewal of digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences to which my honourable friend refers, Parliament legislated to secure the future of DTT until at least 2034. No decision has yet been made about the future of the DTT platform beyond this point."

"The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is leading a project to assess the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT), also known as Freeview, beyond 2034. The project is continuing to gather and evaluate evidence and the Government has made no decisions at this time. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences."

The Countryside Alliance stated: "For many people living in rural communities, television is more than just entertainment: it is a vital lifeline for news, information, and connection - particularly for older residents or those who may feel isolated."

Most members of the public remain completely unaware that this matter is even being considered. Research cited by the Big Issue reveals that nearly seven in 10 people have no idea that the government is preparing to determine the future of Freeview. "The BBC has proposed switching off Freeview (digital terrestrial television) by the mid-2030s. This means households would need a high-speed broadband subscription to access BBC channels, potentially costing them hundreds of pounds per year.

"While there has been progress in improving rural broadband, there are still areas where connectivity is unreliable or too slow to support streaming. Any move to an internet-only service before fast broadband is available to all rural households risks leaving communities behind."

Members of the public can share their opinions via the survey. Ministers are currently deliberating over whether to extend Freeview until the mid-2040s or scrap it entirely in 2034, forcing millions of viewers to rely solely on internet access for their television. A petition on Change.org reads: "Terrestrial television, received through an aerial, often known as Freeview, is under serious threat of being scrapped. Within months the Government will decide whether to turn off terrestrial signals and rely solely on internet-based TV (IPTV) in the future.

"This would mean that every household would be forced to take out an expensive fixed broadband contract if they wished to continue watching their favourite TV programmes.

"Radio reception and signals for emergency services could also be put at risk. Millions of older and disabled people, and those on low and modest incomes, would lose their essential access to TV to keep them in touch with the world and to prevent isolation and loneliness."

A spokesperson from the Future TV Taskforce, a coalition made up of public service broadcasters and Everyone TV, said: "The Taskforce supports a carefully planned, managed transition from digital terrestrial television (DTT) to internet‐delivered TV and a potential switch‐off in the mid‐2030s, as part of a broader, UK‐wide digital inclusion and transition plan.

"Done well, this approach can protect universal access to public service broadcasting; support innovation and investment across the TV sector; and deliver long‐term benefits for viewers and the UK economy. Above all, the Future TV Taskforce believes that the future of television should be inclusive, resilient, and designed around the needs of all audiences to ensure that everyone can continue to access trusted UK content as technology and viewing habits evolve." While 94% of UK households have internet access, such a transition could leave hundreds of thousands of often vulnerable homes without television, prompting demands for extra support measures. The matter was recently highlighted during a parliamentary debate, where MPs raised concerns about the threat to the widely-used Freeview platform, calling on ministers to safeguard it for the 13.6 million households relying upon it.

The petition is available to view and sign here. You can also take part in the Countryside Alliance survey here.