Freeview may soon be killed off as UK homes switch to new way of watching TV

Everyone TV, the operator of Freeview, predicts the traditional UK TV service will decline sharply over the next decade. By 2034, Freeview usage is expected to fall below one million households, according to updated forecasts from analysts 3 Reasons, while Freely—the company’s streaming platform launched in 2024—could reach 10.5 million homes. Freely delivers live TV and on-demand content via broadband, offering features like pausing live broadcasts and content recommendations, making it more flexible than Freeview’s aerial-based system. The shift reflects broader trends in UK households: broadband access has grown rapidly, with homes without internet dropping 30% between 2023 and 2025, now at 1.2 million. By 2034, that number is projected to shrink further to 220,000, while 84% of homes now connect their TVs to the internet, up from 66% in 2020. These changes reduce reliance on traditional TV signals, increasing pressure on Freeview’s future viability. The UK government is expected to announce updates on digital terrestrial television (DTT) soon, though Freeview’s current platform remains operational until at least 2034. With maintenance costs rising and fewer viewers using DTT, a full shutdown after that date could become likely. Jonathan Thompson, Everyone TV’s CEO, emphasized the need for careful planning to ensure accessibility and affordability, noting Freely could serve as a gateway for viewers transitioning to digital services. Freely’s rise aligns with broader industry moves, such as Freeview’s own 2021 launch of its Play streaming service. The platform’s success hinges on addressing connectivity gaps and ensuring no viewers are excluded as traditional TV infrastructure phases out. Analysts highlight the growing preference for internet-based solutions, which offer greater convenience and innovation compared to legacy systems.