MPs Unite To Defend Terrestrial TV As “Hidden Threat” Looms

MPs from across the political spectrum have spoken out in passionate defence of free-to-air terrestrial television, warning of the risks posed if the government moves to phase it out in favour of internet-only TV.

The Westminster debate, led by the Rt Hon. David Mundell MP (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale), highlighted the critical role terrestrial TV continues to play for millions of households. With decisions due from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) through the Future of TV Distribution forum, the options range from renewing terrestrial licences beyond the mid-2030s to a full switch-off and transition to internet streaming.

Currently, terrestrial television reaches 98% of UK households without requiring costly subscriptions or high-speed broadband. Yet data shows 69% of people remain unaware the service could be at risk.

A Lifeline For The Vulnerable

MPs stressed that internet streaming is not a workable alternative for everyone. Free-to-air TV is particularly vital for older people, households in rural areas, those on low incomes, and people living with disabilities. In areas where populations are older and communities more dispersed – losing access could deepen digital exclusion and social isolation.

David Mundell MP warned:

"A switch-off would mean new costs for government, funding the upgrades to make the internet infrastructure suitable for a huge new surge in demand. In reality, it would be a shift in the cost burden of TV distribution away from the broadcasters and onto the shoulders of viewers and taxpayers. We’d be losing a vital service and all paying more for less".

He added that terrestrial TV is “the guarantee of universalism in British broadcasting,” providing a hybrid model that strengthens rather than replaces online streaming.

Concerns Recognised By Government

Stephanie Peacock MP, Media Minister, acknowledged the importance of terrestrial TV for those most at risk of digital exclusion:

"We know that there are groups of people who are more likely to be digitally excluded. They are often older, living in rural areas, more likely to be on lower incomes or living alone, or they may have a disability. Those are the people who rely most on television, not just for news and entertainment, but for connection and companionship".

She confirmed that no final decision has yet been made and that a full assessment of the costs and implications of each option will be published alongside wider work on the BBC Charter.

Risks Of An Internet-Only Model

Campaigners have warned that a forced switch to internet protocol TV (IPTV) would bring new costs for households. Millions would have to pay for high-speed broadband to keep accessing the channels they currently enjoy for free. In 2025, Ofcom data shows that more than one in four UK households (26%) already struggle to afford communications services.

Such a move would also increase reliance on internet infrastructure that is not universally reliable, affordable, or accessible – with rural and low-income households the hardest hit.

Broadcast 2040+ Calls For Certainty

The Broadcast 2040+ campaign welcomed the strong cross-party support shown in Parliament. It is urging the government to commit to safeguarding terrestrial TV well into the 2040s, allowing further investment in making the network more energy-efficient, resilient, and reliable.

As a supporter of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign, the Rural Services Network (RSN) has consistently highlighted that removing terrestrial TV would mean “everyone paying more for less.” For rural communities in particular, where digital exclusion and patchy broadband remain real challenges, terrestrial TV continues to be a vital and universal service.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the RSN, said: "Everybody deserves equal access to TV, wherever they live. Terrestrial television is a lifeline in many rural communities, and losing it would deepen the digital divide at a time when universal access to news, entertainment and public information has never been more important".

Read the debate transcript in full here

We’ll be exploring these issues in more depth at our Rural Connectivity session during the National Rural Conference 2025 (Tuesday 16 September, 1:30–3:30pm). Bookings are open now for RSN members — view the full programme here.