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Written question asked by John Lamont (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 April 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Television: Internet

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on household costs of a transition from digital terrestrial television to IPTV, in the context of the requirement for broadband subscriptions to access television services.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that television services remain affordable and accessible to all households, and that universal access to free-to-air public service broadcasting is maintained.

No decisions have been taken on the future of TV distribution. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to consider the full range of factors relevant to the future of digital terrestrial television.

Any future decisions would take into account the impact on household costs, including in the context of broadband requirements, and the need to ensure that audiences can continue to access public service content easily and affordably, while maintaining universal access to free-to-air television.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
123659
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Costs Digital broadcasting Broadband Internet Television Subscriptions
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk