[1andrew1]

Interesting! Particularly the stat about 31% of 65+ age range not using the Internet at home. To me, the main benefit of an Internet TV service is dispensing with the need for another cable so that TVs just need to be located near a power socket.

End of Freeview? UK not ready for online-only TV, according to EY report

Moving to streaming reduces the cost for broadcasters, as they no longer have to pay for expensive terrestrial TV distribution and can dispense of satellite transponder contracts. Streaming allows them to acquire user data and analytics, which can be used to monetise services or sold to third-parties.

But a report from consultancy firm EY says the UK isn’t ready to adopt online-only TV. It has highlighted barriers that stop broadband internet becoming the universal method of accessing TV.

The report predicts that 5.5 million UK premises (18% of homes) will still be without access to high-speed broadband by 2040. That’s despite the Government’s commitment to 99% broadband covering by 2030.

The regions and nations where homes are most likely to be without a high-speed connection by 2040 are Northern Ireland (24% of homes), North East England (21%), Yorkshire and the Humber (20%), North West England (19%), Scotland (19%) and Wales (19%).

The reasons for the lack of connection include no connection available and cost of service. This, according to the report, will affect elderly, disabled and low-income viewers.

Among elderly users, currently 31% of over 65s don’t use the internet at home.

Broadcast 2040+, which is campaigning to keep TV and radio services on the airwaves, has called on the Government to take steps to safeguard broadcasts.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/end-of-fre...ing-to-report/