In a rapidly changing broadcast landscape, many UK viewers are wondering: When will Freeview be switched off? The short answer: not anytime soon. Freeview—Britain’s free-to-air digital terrestrial TV platform—will remain available until at least 2034. But while the signal stays, the shape of the service is set to shift, with HD channels under threat and a new streaming-based future already rolling out.

Let’s explore what’s happening with Freeview, why HD services may disappear sooner, and what comes next in the world of free UK television.

Freeview Is Here to Stay—For Now

The UK government and key broadcasters—including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5—have committed to supporting Freeview until 2034. That’s the current end date for multiplex licences (the technology that bundles and transmits Freeview channels via aerial), and it’s now effectively the earliest date terrestrial TV could be legally switched off.

Why this long runway? The UK still has over 1.5 million households that rely exclusively on Freeview for TV, often due to affordability, digital exclusion, or lack of fast broadband. Ending Freeview too soon would risk alienating vulnerable groups, so broadcasters are taking a cautious, inclusive approach.

Freeview HD Could Disappear as Early as 2026

While standard-definition (SD) Freeview is safe for now, HD channels may face a different fate. That’s because the BBC’s licence for the “COM7” multiplex—which carries many Freeview HD channels—expires in November 2026 and is not being renewed.

This decision was made partly to free up spectrum for mobile broadband services, part of a long-term trend where TV frequencies are reallocated for internet use. Without that multiplex, Freeview HD capacity is significantly reduced, and channels may be forced to drop their HD versions or switch to SD-only broadcasts.

This means viewers who enjoy crisp, high-definition free TV may lose that option from late 2026 unless broadcasters find new solutions or migrate HD services online.

The Rise of Freely: Freeview’s Streaming Successor

In preparation for the future, broadcasters have launched a new platform called Freely, designed as the natural successor to Freeview. Developed by Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK), Freely blends live TV with on-demand streaming—all accessible via broadband on newer smart TVs.

Freely is already available on select 2024 TV models and will expand in the coming years. Its goal is to replicate the ease of channel-flipping on Freeview while using the internet for delivery. This helps broadcasters reduce transmission costs, support HD and UHD streams, and reach mobile or broadband-connected audiences.

Freely also makes it easier to comply with new regulations requiring prominence for public service broadcasters on connected TV platforms. In short, it’s Freeview for the streaming age.

What Will Happen Between Now and 2034?

Here’s what you can expect over the next decade:

• 2026: Freeview HD capacity may shrink significantly, particularly if COM7 isn’t replaced. Expect some HD channels to vanish or migrate online-only.

• 2024–2034: Freely adoption will grow. More households will move to Freely-compatible TVs or plug-in streaming boxes that replicate Freeview-like functionality.

• By 2034: Government and broadcasters will reassess whether to switch off Freeview entirely. This decision will depend on digital inclusion progress and uptake of streaming alternatives.

Until then, Freeview SD services will remain available, and aerial-based TVs will continue working as usual.

Should You Upgrade Now?

If you’re happy with your Freeview setup and don’t need HD, there’s no immediate rush. You’ll still have access to the core SD channels via aerial until 2034.

However, if you rely on Freeview HD and want to future-proof your viewing, it may be wise to consider:

• Freely-enabled smart TVs: These are already on sale from major brands.

• Hybrid TV boxes: Expected in the next few years, offering a plug-and-play experience for non-smart TVs.

Also, keep in mind that as Freely matures, it will likely offer features unavailable on traditional Freeview, including catch-up, pause/rewind, and seamless channel browsing via broadband.

Final Thoughts

Freeview isn’t going anywhere—for now. But it is evolving, and the next few years will see a gradual transition to Freely and other streaming-based options. If you’re a loyal Freeview viewer, rest easy knowing your service is protected until 2034. Just be prepared: by the time that date arrives, your TV experience may look very different, and most of it may be coming through your broadband instead of your rooftop aerial.

What is Freeview?
Freeview is the UK’s free-to-air digital terrestrial television service, offering over 70 TV channels and 30 radio stations without a subscription. It’s delivered via aerial and includes popular channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. Freeview is integrated into most UK TVs and set-top boxes.

Why is Freeview not available in Spain?
Freeview is a UK-specific service and relies on UK-based broadcast infrastructure and licensing. Its terrestrial signals don’t reach Spain, and its content rights are restricted to the UK. Spain has its own digital TV platform, known as TDT (Televisión Digital Terrestre).