The Government is reportedly planning to phase out digital terrestrial television over the next decade, and move from Freeview to internet-only broadcast.
Supporters say that broadband take-up will make it nearly universal by the time of the switch, and that the costs of maintaining digital terrestrial television will become unviable – and be passed on to licence fee payers. There is, however, risk of a backlash over extra costs being loaded onto viewers, and calls to extend the life of terrestrial broadcasting have mounted.
So, is it time for online-only television? Labour MP for Durham North Luke Akehurst and chair of digital inclusion body The Connection Project Natalie Ceeney give their perspectives.
My father-in-law has Alzheimer’s. He is no longer physically mobile and lives in a care home less than a mile from us. He is not what most of us would consider “digital” – he will never again send an email or browse a website.
Yet, being able to watch television over the internet has transformed part of his daily life.
