Freeview and Freeview Play are used in 16 million homes or 60% of TV households and are the main platform in more than 10 million homes, according to Ofcom.
The move raises concerns that these households could lose access to television services as part of a proposed transition from traditional Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) to internet-based systems.
A Green Paper is expected to be published in the coming weeks, outlining a roadmap to potentially phase out DTT technology, which has delivered TV into UK homes for decades.
What is a Green Paper?
Green Papers are consultation documents produced by the Government.
This document aims to allow people both inside and outside Parliament to give the department feedback on its policy or legislative proposals.
When could Freeview be turned off?
While services such as Freeview will remain in place until at least 2034, no decision has been made about what will happen beyond that date.
A UK Government spokesman told The Express: “We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms.
“That is why the Government is currently working across the TV sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK.
“This will include a decision, as soon as possible, on whether to extend the current commitment to digital terrestrial television beyond 2034.”
Hi everyone, the government are making plans to shut down freeview and freesat, something needs to be done to stop this from happening to millions of people, who watch freeview, including me,
— Steven Dawson (@Steven59066) May 19, 2026
Broadband-based alternatives like Freely could replace Freeview and other DTT services, potentially offering cost savings, better video quality, and new features.
However, there are growing concerns about digital exclusion for households without reliable internet access.
Mr Tofts said: “While moving to a full internet-delivered TV system would offer better features, higher video quality and savings on infrastructure and maintenance cost, we cannot underestimate the risk of leaving thousands of people excluded and widening the digital divide.
“Reliable broadband access is not universal and for some low-income households, the cost of subscriptions, compatible devices, and sufficient data allowances remains a significant barrier.
“Terrestrial TV is free to receive, requires no monthly connectivity cost, and is resilient even in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
“Current broadband infrastructure gaps are still significant.
“Without addressing these challenges, a move to internet-only TV could risk cutting off some of the most vulnerable households.”
It is recommended that users have a minimum 40Mbps speed if they want to watch content in 4K.
The Government says it is currently working across the TV sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK.
If the switch goes ahead without solutions for connectivity gaps, it could mean some households are left without TV access altogether.
Concerns remain that a premature transition could widen the digital divide and disproportionately affect low-income and rural viewers.
Will you be sad to see Freeview go? Let us know in the comments
