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Originally Posted by RichardCoulter
Freeview could remain via IPTV or 5G even if it's decided to sell off the current frequencies for mobile use.
I suspect that it would be commercial viability that would cause DTT to end more than anything technological.
Maybe they would keep one mux going for PSB channels for those that cannot or don't want to access them in any other way. If they complained about the reduction in channels I bet they'd be told that they have the channels, plus a few more, that they had befote DSO!
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In many ways the delivery mechanism is a secondary question, in terms of this discussion at least. Old Boy’s contention (most of the time at least) has been that as soon as content providers can stop scheduling broadcasts and switch exclusively to Netflix-style on demand systems, they will do so, because it’s (allegedly) more convenient for everyone.
At present the public service broadcasters aren’t allowed to go on-demand only, but there are only around a dozen channels that fall under that category. All of the rest are on broadcast channels because they *want* to be there, and Ofcom’s extension and streamlining of the licensing for those channels, taking them out to 2034 with minimal fuss, is designed to make it as easy as possible for them to be there.
If in future it is deemed a better use of spectrum to broadcast TV via IP or 5G, (both of which are technically feasible though presently have serious limitations as to their reach and universal affordability) then Freeview can go from its present DTT to one or more alternative mechanisms. But the idea that content providers want to ditch their programming schedules just as soon as they can is for the birds. As indeed is the idea that Ofcom or the government wants them to do so.