A new report commissioned by the UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UK SPF) has analysed how the 470–694 MHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band might be used after current DTT licences expire in 2034.
In addition to DTT the band also carries Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE), and mobile communications.
DTT remains a vital platform, with 49.6% of UK households relying on it for primary or secondary television access as of 2024 and the percentage of DTT only households was estimated to be 11.6% representing some 3.3 million homes in 2023.
However with audiences increasingly turning to online, the discussion on the future of the platform is intensifying. Last week, BBC director-general Tim Davie revealed plans for a PSB-backed streaming device under the Freely banner.
According to Coleago Consulting, which produced the report for UK SPF, a significant reduction of the DTT service would primarily impose social rather than economic costs, particularly on lower-income and elderly demographics due to digital exclusion.
In Future of the UHF band after 2034, Coleago lists five scenarios that could be adopted, two more than identified in Ofcom’s earlier Future of TV Distribution. The first option for maintaining six multiplexes is not seen as particularly likely.
Case 2 envisages a more efficient DTT service, where TV channel capacity and quality mix is maintained using three Multiplexes all using DVB-T2 with AVC/MPEG4 video encoding. This allows for a reduction in energy costs, and a release of spectrum, though at the expense of PMSE coverage.
It is estimated that by 2030 there would be just 200,000 DVB-T receivers in the market, creating a relatively easy upgrade path.
Case 3 falls under the Ofcom approach for reducing DTT to a core service. It relies on the BBC decides not renewing its MUX-B Multiplex licence. In this case, the Commercial Multiplex operators can consolidate from three DVB-T/MPEG2 Multiplexes onto the single vacated MUX-B Multiplex and take advantage of the enhanced coverage.
Case 4 also falls under Ofcom’s approach for reducing DTT to a core service, but Coleago has assumed a more straightforward transition from six Multiplexes to two Multiplexes from 2035. A full DTT ‘channel repack’ from would provide clearance for IMT600 services.
Case 5 follows the same path as case 3 but plans for complete DTT switch-off from 2035.
Coleago sees Cases 3 to 5 as the most likely courses of action.
