The UK government is reportedly working on a Green Paper that will summarise plans to phase out and then switch off terrestrial television.
According to the Telegraph, the plans are contingent on universal coverage of affordable “superfast broadband” and other supporting requirements.
The consultation document is also expected to state that both broadcasters and broadband internet providers will be required to provide help and support to those making the transition.
The idea of switching off terrestrial TV has long been mooted, although the government is currently committed to the future of DTT until 2035.
The expected switch-off date comes a year after the end of current licence periods for ITV, Channel 4 and 5, with their contracts with Arqiva, which owns the transmitter network, also ending in 2034.
The BBC begins its charter review in 2027, while its own transmitter contract ends in 2030.
Earlier this year, the UK’s public service broadcasters were said to be challenging government plans to delay terrestrial TV switch-off.
A government report, Future of TV distribution, published in November 2025 suggested five per cent of viewers—some 1.5 million people—would be left behind by the switch-off.
