Industry experts have revealed how Brits could be affected if the government doesn’t renew one particular contract for free-to-air, terrestrial broadcast TV. This includes channels usually found on Freeview, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.
Millions of people fall into this group and could be forced to switch to internet-only TV when the secured deal ends in 2035. Consultancy firm EY noted that phasing out this product could be a positive move on the government’s behalf, prompting people to turn to online viewing and extending broadband usage access the UK.
Given that the percentage of people using terrestrial TV has fallen below 50% for the first time, letting the licence simply outrun its course could be a simple solution. These insights also follow concerns voiced to Ofcom earlier this year as broadcasters weren’t sure maintaining terrestrial infrastructure beyond this end date would be feasible.
A complete switchover like this would suddenly burden these households with an estimated £18.17 broadband bill per month, or £218 a year. This isn’t including the upfront costs of equipment, installation and maintenance many will be bringing into their homes for the first time.
Aside from the staggering rise in cost many people will face, the consultants also warned one major potential obstacle is the unreliable internet connections in certain areas of the UK which could see some households being outright disconnected as a result of this decision. The firm estimates 4.3 million people will still be without high-speed broadband in 2040,
David Coulson, partner at EY, noted the switch would cost both the government and household a combined £2billion to set-up, with £900million annual broadband fees and support for vulnerable users. To combat this potential future, a coalition of 35 organisations have banded together.
Broadcast 2040+ is urging the government to publicly commit to protect and maintain terrestrial TV and radio services beyond 2040, instead of the current early 2030s deadline. A spokesperson for the campaign told The Sun: “This report lays bare the hidden cost of any proposed switch-off of terrestrial TV. It would mean vulnerable people being asked to pay more, risk disconnecting millions from universal access to TV.”