Arqiva calls for ‘managed’ 2044 digital terrestrial TV switch off

The proposal was set out in the transmission provider’s response to the Government's Green Paper on the future of television distribution in the UK, which it describes as a “clear and fully-costed proposal for a managed switch-off of DTT in 2044.”

Opinions are divided on exactly when DTT should be switched off. Earlier this year, Sky published research by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates (O&O) which said that the UK can move fully to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s.

The Green Paper is considering the future role of DTT - TV delivered through an aerial and commonly known as Freeview - as viewing shifts online and more television services are delivered over internet protocol (IP) networks.

Arqiva's response makes the case that a 2044 switch-off is the most practical, affordable and resilient option. It said its proposal reinforces the Government's own findings that 2044 offers a "lower cost, lower risk" option for the future of TV viewing in the UK.

Arqiva says its proposal would protect universal access to public service broadcasting while supporting a realistic transition to internet-delivered television. It says that its proposal would also reduce broadcaster transmission costs by up to 50%, cut energy consumption by around 40%, and still enable the release of valuable spectrum by 2034.

Arqiva’s response also highlights the risks of an accelerated move away from DTT in 2034, including potential impacts on viewers who continue to rely on Freeview, increased pressure on communications infrastructure, higher costs for other sectors that share broadcast networks, including radio services, and impacts to national resilience and sovereignty.

“Arqiva believes the UK can modernise television distribution and release spectrum without creating unnecessary risks for audiences, broadcasters or national infrastructure. A managed 2044 switch-off would provide time for a consumer-led transition to IP television while maintaining resilience, affordability and universal access,” said the company.