Millions of soccer enthusiasts could be at risk of missing out on upcoming World Cups if proposals to deactivate Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) are implemented, according to concerned activists.
The availability of free-to-air terrestrial broadcast TV is set to remain secure only until the early 2030s when existing licenses come to an end.
Recent surveys have indicated that a significant portion of the population, with 1 in 3 individuals, may struggle to afford the necessary high-speed broadband services required to reliably stream major live sporting events like the World Cup.
An extensive poll involving 12,000 respondents across 100 closely contested Labour-held constituencies revealed that 80% of participants view it as crucial for major sports events to continue being accessible for free, with half of them considering it very important.
The survey also highlighted that 73% of respondents have previously watched the World Cup or Euros live on free-to-air television, and a majority of 74% believe it would be unfair to compel football fans to pay for broadband access to view the World Cup, compared to a mere 10% who disagree.
A significant 70% of those surveyed expressed the view that major sporting events should be guaranteed to be broadcast freely over the airwaves, rather than being reliant on an internet connection.
The potential transition to IPTV-only services would necessitate all viewers to depend on fixed broadband services, posing concerns related to affordability and accessibility, particularly for older individuals, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
Campaigners caution that proposals to phase out DTT could effectively transform significant national moments into paid content accessible only to a limited audience.
A spokesperson for Broadcast 2040+ emphasized the importance of maintaining shared national experiences by stating, “Turning off DTT could transform widely-shared national events into a luxury. The World Cup should be an inclusive event for the entire nation to enjoy together, not limited to those who can afford fast broadband or multiple subscriptions.”
Labour MP Joe Morris, a supporter of the cause, expressed his concerns by stating, “Watching World Cup matches together on free television creates an irreplaceable sense of community. Restricting these moments behind a paywall online would be unpopular in communities like mine.”
A petition advocating for the protection of free-to-air terrestrial TV has garnered over 155,000 signatures, reflecting the public’s support for accessible sports broadcasting.
In response, a Government spokesperson reassured, “The government remains committed to ensuring continued access to watching the World Cup for years to come and is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can participate as TV viewing trends towards online platforms.”