'Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media'.

Arqiva has submitted its response to the Government's Green Paper on the future of television distribution in the UK, setting out a clear and fully-costed proposal for a managed switch-off of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in 2044.

Read the full consultation response.

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 reinforces the Government's own findings that 2044 offers a "lower cost, lower risk" option for the future of TV viewing in the UK.

Under the proposals set out by Arqiva, universal access to public service broadcasting would be protected while supporting a realistic transition to internet-delivered television. The 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.

The response also highlights the risks of an accelerated move away from DTT in 2034, including potential impacts on millions of 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.  

ENDS

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