Consultation on the renewal of digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences expiring in 2022 and 2026
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Detail of outcome
This is the government’s response to the consultation on the renewal of digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences expiring in 2022 and 2026, which ran from 18 December 2020 until 26 February 2021.
After carefully considering all of the consultation responses received, the government has decided to allow five national multiplex licences on the DTT platform that are due to expire in 2022 and 2026 to be renewed for a further period until 2034.
The government will give Ofcom the power to carry out these renewals, accompanied by the appropriate regulatory flexibility via the inclusion of a new revocation power that cannot take effect before the end of 2030. The government will also proceed with proposals to make ownership of Multiplex 2 contingent on public service broadcasting (PSB) status and to streamline the licence renewal process.
We believe that these longer-term renewals will best support government objectives relating to the future shape of PSB and recognise our commitment to the DTT platform. It will also future-protect the main way UK audiences currently enjoy a diverse range of digital channels through free-to-air TV.
Original consultation
Consultation description
Digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex licences are central to the functioning of the UK’s broadcasting system. DTT licences give broadcasters the right to use spectrum (radio frequencies) to broadcast television services across the UK in a digital format.
The DTT platform is better known as Freeview. It is popular with UK audiences and is an important part of the public service broadcasting (PSB) system as content provided by the PSBs on this platform is free at the point of use and widely accessible due to DTT’s nearly 99% coverage across the UK.
A number of national multiplex licences on the DTT platform, which carry PSB and commercial channels, are expiring in 2022 and 2026. To renew these licences the government is required to make secondary legislation. We welcome views on which of the four options we are presenting for renewal is most appropriate for each of the licences. The options are:
- Option (a) renewal on the same terms as before until 2034
- Option (b) renewal until 2034 but with the inclusion of a new revocation clause
- Option (c) renewal for a shorter period until 2026
- Option (d) renewal for an alternative length of time
Documents
Last updated 17 August 2021 + show all updates
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Added government response.
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First published.