Parliament Debates Future of UK Television as Broadband Expands

MPs Clash Over Timing of Terrestrial TV Switch-Off

LONDON – The future of television in the UK sparked a heated debate in Parliament yesterday, as MPs grappled with the challenges posed by the nation’s expanding broadband coverage. With more viewers than ever turning to online streaming services, the government warned that the cost of maintaining traditional terrestrial TV signals could soon become unsustainable.

Conservative MP David Mundell kicked off the debate by calling for a commitment to extend the licences for Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) into the 2040s. He argued that Freeview remains a vital service for millions, especially those in rural areas without reliable broadband access.

“Freeview reaches 98.5% of the UK population at no additional cost beyond the licence fee,” Mundell said. “People do not need to pay monthly bills to watch – all they need is a TV and an aerial.”

Reliability and Affordability Concerns Raised

Mundell pointed to data suggesting 45% of broadband customers experienced an outage lasting over 48 hours in the past year. He contrasted this with Freeview’s near 99% reliability.

The MP also highlighted the 5.5 million premises that EY estimates will still lack high-speed broadband by 2040. “Millions are relying solely on mobile internet,” he noted. “In 2022, up to 1 million cancelled broadband due to the high cost of living.”

However, former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale countered that a full transition to internet-based TV is “inevitable” as DTT audiences dwindle. He said the 2034 licence expiration date seems “about right”.

Government Acknowledges Challenges Ahead

Representing the government, Stephanie Peacock MP recognised the major viewer shift to streaming platforms. But she stressed the importance of not leaving behind the estimated 4.5 million households that still face barriers to accessing TV online.

“The cost of DTT to broadcasters is substantial and rising per household,” Peacock said. “While no decisions have been made, these are complex issues that require extensive collaboration across government, industry, and audience groups.”

Broadband Progress vs. DTT Realities

The debate comes as gigabit-capable broadband nears 88% availability across the UK. The government’s Project Gigabit aims to reach 99% coverage by 2032.

Yet even the new Freely TV streaming service, seen by some as an eventual Freeview replacement, only requires a 10Mbps connection. Experts note that a single HD stream can fit into just 2Mbps with modern compression.

As the nation’s broadband expands, Parliament faces difficult decisions about the future of television. But with millions still relying on Freeview and questions remaining over broadband reliability and affordability, the path forward remains uncertain. The debate is far from over.