Arqiva Backs 2044 Switch-Off for UK Terrestrial Television

Arqiva has called for the UK’s Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform, which delivers Freeview to homes through an aerial, to remain in operation until 2044. The company has submitted a fully costed proposal to the Government as part of its consultation on the future of television distribution.

The Government is currently considering two possible dates for the end of DTT: 31 December 2034, when the current multiplex licences expire, or a ten-year extension to 31 December 2044. No final decision has yet been made.

Under Arqiva’s proposal, the existing six DTT multiplexes would be reduced to three DVB-T2 multiplexes from 2035, while maintaining broadly the current range of channels. One multiplex would provide public service coverage to around 98.5% of homes, while two commercial multiplexes would cover approximately 90%.

Arqiva says the approach could reduce broadcasters’ transmission costs by up to 50% and cut energy consumption across the DTT network by around 40%. At the same time, reorganising the network would allow the 600 MHz spectrum band to be released in 2034/35, meaning a later DTT switch-off would not necessarily prevent spectrum from being made available for other uses.

The company argues that extending DTT to 2044 would provide more time for households that continue to rely on Freeview to transition to internet-delivered television. Arqiva has also highlighted potential risks associated with an earlier switch-off, including pressure on communications infrastructure and implications for national resilience.

The Government's Green Paper similarly identifies 2044 as an option that would allow a more gradual transition to IPTV while maintaining free-to-air access for households that are slower to adopt broadband. The consultation process is ongoing and the Government is expected to set out its preferred approach after considering responses.