The Wenvoe Transmitter, which serves around 500,000 households across South Wales, could be switched off in 2034 under proposals to shut down aerial TV, effectively ending Freeview services.
A new report by the National Preparedness Commission warns that such a move could leave the UK exposed during major cyber attacks, power outages, or other national emergencies.
Mark Steele, chief operations officer at Arqiva, which operates the UK’s broadcast network, said: “The debate amongst government and broadcasters has focused too heavily on changing viewing habits and streaming services while overlooking the role transmitters such as Wenvoe play in national resilience, keeping the UK public safe and informed in the event of an emergency.
“Retaining Freeview is not simply about preserving television services but maintaining a wider communications platform used to support emergency information, radio broadcasting and wider critical infrastructure, including emergency services communication and coast guard communications.”
The report describes the UK’s network of more than 1,450 TV and radio transmission sites as critical infrastructure.
It states these sites are capable of continuing to broadcast even when internet-based communications fail.
Transmitter towers like Wenvoe reach 98.5 per cent of UK households and operate independently of broadband or mobile networks.
The commission is calling for the transmitters to remain operational until at least 2044 to provide a resilient, trusted channel for public information during crises.
The report argues that the towers could deliver essential updates when storms, cyber attacks, or power failures disrupt digital communications.
Mr Steele said: “Removing digital terrestrial television too quickly would undermine the economics of the wider network and increase costs for other essential services. That leaves the UK vulnerable.”
Lord Toby Harris, chair of the National Preparedness Commission, said: “The question for government is much more than how people will watch television in future, but how the country will communicate when internet-based systems fail.
“Protecting terrestrial broadcasting until at least 2044 would preserve a vital, independent route for trusted public information when it is needed most.”
