New prediction - I'm thinking that at some point over the next 10 years or so, the following is going to happen:
- There will be a minimum broadband availability requirement of 10Mbps for all and the use of TV spectrum is at least partially recycled for "public service basic wireless Internet access provision". This would replace the previous public service TV signal for those who can't afford to pay for broadband, while also getting them online.
- BBC and Channel 4 will become "online streaming only" and the universal service obligation will relate to streaming of those TV and radio services.
- The TV license itself will be replaced with the "Digital Services License" which will pay for the BBC / Some of Channel 4 and the provision of basic 10Mbit services to those who can't otherwise afford to subscribe to Internet providers or who can't get a decent high-speed connection at home for whatever reason, with the purpose of accessing iPlayer, Channel 4 player and .gov.uk services
- The bad news is that probably nearly everyone will have to pay their license to use the Internet now, instead of just TV
