Millions of soccer enthusiasts could miss out on future World Cup tournaments if plans to discontinue Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) move forward, activists have cautioned.
The availability of free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is guaranteed only until the early 2030s, coinciding with the expiration of current licenses.
Recent polling indicates that one-third of individuals admit they may not be able to afford the enhanced high-speed broadband service necessary to reliably stream major live sporting events like the World Cup.
A survey conducted among 12,000 voters in 100 closely contested Labour-held constituencies reveals that 80% believe it is crucial for significant sports competitions to remain freely accessible, with 50% emphasizing its utmost importance.
The research also discloses that 73% of respondents have watched the World Cup or Euros live on terrestrial television, and 74% agree that it would be unjust to compel football fans to purchase broadband services to view the World Cup, compared to a mere 10% who oppose this view.
A substantial 70% of participants advocate for major sports events to be broadcast freely over the airwaves rather than relying on internet connectivity.
Transitioning to IPTV-exclusive services would necessitate all viewers to depend on fixed broadband, sparking concerns regarding affordability and accessibility, especially for older individuals, those with disabilities, and low-income households.
Campaigners caution that the proposed elimination of DTT would effectively transform significant national moments into paid content.
A representative from Broadcast 2040+ stated, “Discontinuing DTT risks transforming communal national events into a luxury experience. The World Cup should be a unifying event accessible to the entire nation, not just those with the means to afford rapid broadband or multiple subscriptions.”
“The most adversely affected will be the most vulnerable groups: elderly viewers, rural communities, and low-income families who rely on aerial TV as their primary, sometimes sole, method of accessing live broadcasts. For many, Freeview serves as a vital link to collective cultural experiences, from World Cup nights to Wimbledon finals.”
Labour MP Joe Morris, endorsing the initiative, remarked, “The communal experience of gathering to watch World Cup matches on free TV is incomparable. Shifting these moments behind a paywall would be unpopular in communities like mine.”
A petition advocating for the preservation of free-to-air terrestrial TV has garnered 155,000 signatures to date.
In response, a Government spokesperson assured, “The government remains committed to ensuring continued access to watching the World Cup for years to come, and we are fully dedicated to ensuring inclusivity as TV viewing progressively transitions online.”
