Arqiva has written to the government to share its thoughts on the future of television distribution in the UK.
Responding to the government’s Media Green Paper, the broadcasting infrastructure company set out a proposal for a managed switch-off of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in 2044. Current UK law projects DTT until at least 2034.
According to the company, a 2044 switch-off is “the most practical, affordable and resilient option”. Arqiva added that 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.
The company proposed that extending the deadline for the switch-off would mean that 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 per cent, cut energy consumption by around 40 per cent, and still enable the release of valuable spectrum by 2034,” added the response.
“Arqiva believes the UK can modernise television distribution and release spectrum without creating unnecessary risks for audiences, broadcasters or national infrastructure,” said the company. “A managed 2044 switch-off would provide time for a consumer-led transition to IP television while maintaining resilience, affordability and universal access.”
The full response is available to read here.
