๐ฌ๐ง UK shift to Internet TV is moving too fast
A report in The Observer warns that the UK government's (DCMS) plans for a complete shift to internet streaming and the shutdown of terrestrial TV are proceeding too quickly.
According to analyst Matthew Horsman, over 10 million people could lose access to television, significantly exceeding official forecasts.
The Digital Poverty Alliance coalition indicates that nearly 20% of households will be unable to afford the expensive broadband access required for streaming.
An early switch-off could cost public service broadcasters up to ยฃ768 million in advertising revenue.
Horsman suggests not shutting down terrestrial TV but reducing the network (from six to three multiplexes) to allow broadcasting to continue until 2045, rather than 2035, as desired by the BBC.
A decision from the DCMS regarding the switch-off is expected next year. The government needs the freed-up spectrum for the development of other public services.
