RIP Freeview? Popular service at 'risk' as homes switch to new way to watch TV

Freeview remains one of the most popular ways to enjoy movies, sports, and entertainment for free, but its days could be numbered. The future of watching TV appears to be streaming with homes being tempted to move over to internet-powered devices rather than using the old-fashioned digital terrestrial television (DTT) signal. Viewing online is clearly seen as the way to go with the team behind Freeview recently launching its Freely service, which comes built into screens and lets users view live and on-demand content via their broadband.

Sky is also trying to move its users away from its satellite service, with the company recently confirming that 90 percent of its new sales are for devices such as Sky Glass and Sky Stream, which are connected to the web rather than a dish.

Current terrestrial signals - which supply homes with over-the-air TV signals - are due to expire from 2034 and it's unclear what happens after that and if this ageing service will be shut down for good.

The government says it is actively looking into the future of TV and says it will make sure all homes stay connected.

"We are committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind as TV viewing increasingly moves to online platforms," a government spokesperson said.

"That is why the government is currently working with the TV industry and other key players in the sector on a long-term sustainable approach to TV distribution in the UK for years to come.

"This will include a decision on whether to further extend the current commitment to keep Freeview on air until at least 2034."

There are some bonuses of moving to online platforms, including freeing up some much-needed bandwidth. If services such as Freeview were moved online it could help boost things such as mobile connectivity.

As more of us use our phones to stream movies and music, the UK's biggest networks are getting seriously congested and experts at the University of Surrey have even called for some Freeview channels to be closed to help clear some space.

"DTT’s golden future lies in the quality and not quantity of TV channels,” Prof Stephen Temple told The Telegraph.

“The much-needed spectrum at 600 MHz – which terrestrial television occupies to support those TV channels few people watch – would be freed up and made available to mobile network operators."

Another bonus of watching online is that the signal isn't affected by the weather, and there are more things to watch via catch-up players and streaming apps.

Of course, the biggest issue with Freely and Sky's streaming devices is that they need a decent broadband connection to work, and that has worried some experts. Not all homes have - or can afford - speedy internet and if the standard signal is switched off, they may no longer be able to watch terrestrial TV.

"The decision facing ministers will have far-reaching implications for millions of viewers, and it is vital that no one is left isolated from television due to cost or broadband connectivity," explained DPA Chief Executive Elizabeth Anderson.

"DTT provides the UK with crucial social resilience, ensuring we can all stay connected. However, only a third of the public realise it is at risk."

The future of watching TV seems uncertain, but the push to go digital shows no sign of slowing down.

Would you be happy switching to streaming? Leave your comments below.