UK government to lay out plans for terrestrial TV switch off – report

The Daily Telegraph reported that the plans will be outlined in a green paper, which is to be published in the coming weeks.

According to the paper, Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, and Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, have already signed off on the proposals.

The government is said to be supportive of plans to phase out traditional TV signals and move entirely to streaming, so long as it does not leave vulnerable and older audiences behind.

Conditions for the switch off include ensuring that superfast broadband connections are available across the whole of the UK at affordable prices.

The Daily Telegraph also said that ministers will demand that streaming TV interfaces are simple and easy to use for all audiences.

Broadcasters and internet providers will also be required to provide help and support for those making the transition.

Broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, are said to be keen to push ahead with the transition, given the expense of delivering terrestrial signals as viewers increasingly shift to streaming.

Under current legislation, traditional TV is set to continue until at least 2034. However, campaigners have called for the deadline to be extended to at least 2040, warning that older and vulnerable audiences are at risk of being cut off.

The UK’s public service broadcasters have already begun laying the groundwork for the switch-off through their Freely joint venture, which offers live and on-demand programming via streaming and is expected to replace Freeview.

Sky research recently found that the UK is capable of fully moving to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s – if the UK Government sets a clear timetable and invests in targeted help for those most at risk of digital exclusion. Discover more here.