television via the internet (Image: Getty)
The study by consultancy firm EY also shows that six out 10 people don’t want to watch television via broadband services.
Campaigners say the findings show that the government must commit to the long-term future of traditional broadcast TV,
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Wes Streeting skewered by Sky's Trevor Phillips over Labour tax raid plot
236 Comments
Keir Starmer may sack Louise Haigh in first Cabinet reshuffle after P&O row
422 Comments
DWP to get new power to take money from your bank or wages
171 Comments
Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat as ex-PM rumoured to be quitting
277 Comments
Liz Kendall isn't doing one thing that would get people back into the workforce
19 Comments
Eye-watering sum UK STILL has to send EU five years after Brexit
1491 Comments
Rachel Reeves to put economy in 'doom-loop' as tax rises to spark 'bonfire of jobs'
112 Comments
Rachel Reeves changed hair colour for fear of iron chancellor image, say insiders
67 Comments
Why Kemi has to win if Labour are to be held to account
52 Comments
Rachel Reeves's expected stealth tax could slash incomes for 1m and clobber pensioners
267 Comments
Change to internet-only TV could cost 4.3 million households ￡218, report warns
1 Comments
Andrew Neil exposes how Keir Starmer duped British voters with one cynical move
323 Comments
Keir Starmer ‘personally responsible' if pensioners freeze to death, says Robert Jenrick
321 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces huge backlash as she considers tax break for theme park
34 Comments
Wes Streeting's two-word response to fining patients missing NHS appointments
100 Comments
Outrage as Keir Starmer removes Shakespeare portrait from No 10
136 Comments
Keir Starmer warned over 'serious consequences' of conversion therapy ban in open letter
1 Comments
Rachel Reeves under pressure ahead of Budget as NHS needs ￡9bn to keep going this year
79 Comments
Labour's winter fuel payment cuts set to hit disabled pensioners hardest, poll shows
1044 Comments
Robert Jenrick calls for grooming gang crackdown with mandatory life sentences
81 Comments
Wes Streeting skewered by Sky's Trevor Phillips over Labour tax raid plot
236 Comments
Keir Starmer may sack Louise Haigh in first Cabinet reshuffle after P&O row
422 Comments
DWP to get new power to take money from your bank or wages
171 Comments
Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat as ex-PM rumoured to be quitting
277 Comments
Liz Kendall isn't doing one thing that would get people back into the workforce
19 Comments
Eye-watering sum UK STILL has to send EU five years after Brexit
1491 Comments
Rachel Reeves to put economy in 'doom-loop' as tax rises to spark 'bonfire of jobs'
112 Comments
Rachel Reeves changed hair colour for fear of iron chancellor image, say insiders
67 Comments
Why Kemi has to win if Labour are to be held to account
52 Comments
Rachel Reeves's expected stealth tax could slash incomes for 1m and clobber pensioners
267 Comments
Change to internet-only TV could cost 4.3 million households ￡218, report warns
1 Comments
Andrew Neil exposes how Keir Starmer duped British voters with one cynical move
323 Comments
Keir Starmer ‘personally responsible' if pensioners freeze to death, says Robert Jenrick
321 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces huge backlash as she considers tax break for theme park
34 Comments
Wes Streeting's two-word response to fining patients missing NHS appointments
100 Comments
Outrage as Keir Starmer removes Shakespeare portrait from No 10
136 Comments
Keir Starmer warned over 'serious consequences' of conversion therapy ban in open letter
1 Comments
Rachel Reeves under pressure ahead of Budget as NHS needs ￡9bn to keep going this year
79 Comments
Labour's winter fuel payment cuts set to hit disabled pensioners hardest, poll shows
1044 Comments
Robert Jenrick calls for grooming gang crackdown with mandatory life sentences
81 Comments
Wes Streeting skewered by Sky's Trevor Phillips over Labour tax raid plot
236 Comments
Keir Starmer may sack Louise Haigh in first Cabinet reshuffle after P&O row
422 Comments
DWP to get new power to take money from your bank or wages
171 Comments
Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat as ex-PM rumoured to be quitting
277 Comments
Liz Kendall isn't doing one thing that would get people back into the workforce
19 Comments
Eye-watering sum UK STILL has to send EU five years after Brexit
1491 Comments
Rachel Reeves to put economy in 'doom-loop' as tax rises to spark 'bonfire of jobs'
112 Comments
Free-to-air television, which millions watch every day, is only secure until the early 2030s, when current licences expire.
Some in the industry say the Government should lead a deliberate switch-off of terrestrial broadcast TV, in part as a way of forcing more people to go online.
Campaigners say that with internet connections much less reliable than the terrestrial TV service, if everyone were forced to switch over to online TV viewing only, people would be paying more for a less reliable service.
By Elizabeth Anderson CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance
Our society is approaching a crossroads. The expanding role of the internet, AI, and digital public services today risks pushing some of our most vulnerable communities into social exclusion.
The danger is that living your life to the full will become impossible if you cannot afford a high-speed fixed broadband connection.
The reality is, for many people even the most basic internet connection is one of the first things cancelled when they need to tighten their belts.
That is why terrestrial TV is such a vital lifeline. Broadcast services are still the dominant way Britons access their TV entertainment, education and information.
As today’s new report from EY makes clear, more than 4 million households lack the connectivity to stream TV and are wholly reliant on broadcast services to access news, entertainment – and particularly for older people, a sense of connection to others within their home.
These are our neighbours, friends, and family members. They are most likely vulnerable communities – older people, lower-income households, those living with disabilities, and rural communities.
If the UK moved towards a terrestrial TV switch-off, they would face new bills they may not be able to afford, or risk becoming disconnected. Online television, even if not behind a paywall, isn’t free – data costs money.
There is no need for this. As EY also makes clear, our current hybrid model of TV transmission – with free-to-air terrestrial television serving alongside internet streaming services – works well and serves the needs of viewers.
In fact, we have the best of both worlds: universal access to quality and choice via terrestrial TV, and a range of streaming options for those who can afford it.
A switchover to IP-only TV distribution would not just hit vulnerable households hard, many of whom are already struggling with household bills and cannot connect online.
The overall headline figures are staggering: ￡2.1 billion in upfront costs and ￡1 billion in annual costs. Much of this burden would fall on the shoulders of taxpayers too, at a time when government budgets are already tight.
But this is not just about pounds and pence. It is about choice, accessibility, and fairness.
The report reveals that 59% of those surveyed do not want to be forced into having a high-speed broadband connection just to watch TV.
31% of viewers say they cannot afford to pay more to access broadband and TV services. Without government action to renew broadcast services licenses beyond the early 2030s, we risk isolating and excluding millions of viewers.
Some might argue that the future is online and that we should just embrace it. But progress cannot come at the cost of leaving millions of people behind.
We should certainly not use the threat of losing access to TV as a stick to beat people into taking on high speed broadband subscriptions which they cannot afford.
True progress is inclusive, taking into account the needs of all members of society, not just those who can afford the latest technology.
The importance of protecting terrestrial TV is not just about preserving a technology – it is about safeguarding a service that millions rely on.
It is about ensuring that as we embrace the opportunities of an online future, we do not leave anyone behind. We need to listen to the voices of those who depend on this service.
Let's choose a future where everyone has access to information and entertainment, regardless of their income or circumstances.
Don't miss... Fears mount that traditional TV could be 'switched off' within 10 years [LATEST]
Other findings in the report reveal that 31% of viewers say they cannot afford to pay more than they currently do to access broadband and TV services.
And 40% of viewers said a switchover to IP-only would be bad or very bad use of government funding
As well as the ongoing costs of a fixed broadband connection, millions of households would also face the upfront costs of new TV equipment and installation support – with a total cost of ￡129 million.
Those most affected would be some of the most vulnerable in society, who rely on terrestrial TV the most.
These include older people, those on lower incomes, people living with a disability and remote rural communities.
The Broadcast 2040+ coalition, whose members include the Digital Poverty Alliance and the Rural Services Network, is urging the government to commit to a hybrid future for TV and radio services, ensuring continued universal access to terrestrial TV alongside streaming, so that no one is left-behind.
Don't miss...
MPs under pressure to continue broadcast TV and radio services until 2040 [LATEST]
Fall in broadcast TV viewers should not be an excuse to turn off services [LATEST]
A coalition grows demanding to save traditional TV from streaming services [LATEST]
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
David Coulson, Partner, Economic Advisory at EY, said: “If a switch were made to distribute TV exclusively over the internet, even by 2040 approximately 4 million homes would still need broadband and set-top-box upgrades.
“This is forecast to cost government and consumers over ￡2bn to set-up, plus a further ￡900 million each year to cover ongoing broadband fees and to support vulnerable users."
A spokesperson from the Broadcast 2040+ campaign said: “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 and burden the taxpayer with new financial liabilities.”
Internet connections are significantly less reliable than the terrestrial TV service.
According to research by Uswitch, 21 million customers experienced broadband outages of three hours or more between summer 2022 and 2023.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said: “For the millions of people who live in or at risk of digital poverty, terrestrial TV provides a vital social lifeline. It guarantees universal access to quality TV content, free to air, to every home.
“A fixed highspeed broadband connection is something that many people cannot afford and even the most basic internet connection is one of the first things cancelled when people need to tighten their belts.”
Colin Browne, Chairman of the Voice of the Listener & Viewer, part of the Broadcast 2040+ coalition said:
“Universal access to quality broadcasting is a right. It is also essential to maintain the democratic and cultural traditions of the UK.
“Terrestrial TV and radio services keep us all connected, especially our most vulnerable communities.
“This new report makes it clear that the current hybrid model of TV, which provides a choice of terrestrial and streaming, is popular with audiences. We would like the Government to ensure that citizens continue to have a choice in how they watch TV.”
Kerry Booth, chief executive of the Rural Services Network said: “The Rural Services Network strongly believes in ensuring access and choice for all, particularly for those in rural and vulnerable communities. Many of these households rely solely on terrestrial TV, not just due to affordability, but also because of inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas.
“An internet-only TV model would create a digital divide, leaving many at risk of increased social isolation—especially older people and those living alone—who use TV as a lifeline for information and social connection.
“It is imperative that the government adopts a balanced approach that preserves traditional broadcasting and safeguards the well-being of rural communities.”
A DCMS spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that as many people as possible can continue to access TV and radio in a way that suits them. That is why this government has wasted no time in grasping the review of the future of TV distribution in the UK.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Wes Streeting skewered by Sky's Trevor Phillips over Labour tax raid plot
236 Comments
Keir Starmer may sack Louise Haigh in first Cabinet reshuffle after P&O row
422 Comments
DWP to get new power to take money from your bank or wages
171 Comments
Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat as ex-PM rumoured to be quitting
278 Comments
Liz Kendall isn't doing one thing that would get people back into the workforce
19 Comments
Eye-watering sum UK STILL has to send EU five years after Brexit
1491 Comments
Rachel Reeves to put economy in 'doom-loop' as tax rises to spark 'bonfire of jobs'
112 Comments
Rachel Reeves changed hair colour for fear of iron chancellor image, say insiders
67 Comments
Why Kemi has to win if Labour are to be held to account
52 Comments
Rachel Reeves's expected stealth tax could slash incomes for 1m and clobber pensioners
267 Comments
Change to internet-only TV could cost 4.3 million households ￡218, report warns
1 Comments
Andrew Neil exposes how Keir Starmer duped British voters with one cynical move
323 Comments
Keir Starmer ‘personally responsible' if pensioners freeze to death, says Robert Jenrick
321 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces huge backlash as she considers tax break for theme park
34 Comments
Wes Streeting's two-word response to fining patients missing NHS appointments
100 Comments
Outrage as Keir Starmer removes Shakespeare portrait from No 10
136 Comments
Keir Starmer warned over 'serious consequences' of conversion therapy ban in open letter
1 Comments
Rachel Reeves under pressure ahead of Budget as NHS needs ￡9bn to keep going this year
79 Comments
Labour's winter fuel payment cuts set to hit disabled pensioners hardest, poll shows
1044 Comments
Robert Jenrick calls for grooming gang crackdown with mandatory life sentences
81 Comments
Wes Streeting skewered by Sky's Trevor Phillips over Labour tax raid plot
236 Comments
Keir Starmer may sack Louise Haigh in first Cabinet reshuffle after P&O row
422 Comments
DWP to get new power to take money from your bank or wages
171 Comments
Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat as ex-PM rumoured to be quitting
278 Comments
Liz Kendall isn't doing one thing that would get people back into the workforce
19 Comments
Eye-watering sum UK STILL has to send EU five years after Brexit
1491 Comments
Rachel Reeves to put economy in 'doom-loop' as tax rises to spark 'bonfire of jobs'
112 Comments
Rachel Reeves changed hair colour for fear of iron chancellor image, say insiders
67 Comments
Why Kemi has to win if Labour are to be held to account
52 Comments
Rachel Reeves's expected stealth tax could slash incomes for 1m and clobber pensioners
267 Comments
Change to internet-only TV could cost 4.3 million households ￡218, report warns
1 Comments
Andrew Neil exposes how Keir Starmer duped British voters with one cynical move
323 Comments
Keir Starmer ‘personally responsible' if pensioners freeze to death, says Robert Jenrick
321 Comments
Rachel Reeves faces huge backlash as she considers tax break for theme park
34 Comments
Wes Streeting's two-word response to fining patients missing NHS appointments
100 Comments
Outrage as Keir Starmer removes Shakespeare portrait from No 10
136 Comments
Keir Starmer warned over 'serious consequences' of conversion therapy ban in open letter
1 Comments
Rachel Reeves under pressure ahead of Budget as NHS needs ￡9bn to keep going this year
79 Comments
Labour's winter fuel payment cuts set to hit disabled pensioners hardest, poll shows
1044 Comments
Robert Jenrick calls for grooming gang crackdown with mandatory life sentences
81 Comments
Wes Streeting skewered by Sky's Trevor Phillips over Labour tax raid plot
236 Comments
Keir Starmer may sack Louise Haigh in first Cabinet reshuffle after P&O row
422 Comments
DWP to get new power to take money from your bank or wages
171 Comments
Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat as ex-PM rumoured to be quitting
278 Comments
Liz Kendall isn't doing one thing that would get people back into the workforce
19 Comments
Eye-watering sum UK STILL has to send EU five years after Brexit
1491 Comments
Rachel Reeves to put economy in 'doom-loop' as tax rises to spark 'bonfire of jobs'
112 Comments
"No decisions have yet been taken, we will carefully analyse how people receive their television now and through the next decade, allowing us to assess these changing trends and consider the important financial sustainability of the ecosystem, particularly for our public service broadcasters.
"This review will inform our long-term approach, including whether to further extend the current commitment to keep Freeview on air until at least 2034. We will release further details in due course.”