Millions of soccer enthusiasts are at risk of missing out on future World Cup events if the proposed shutdown of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) proceeds, according to campaigners. Free-to-air broadcast TV is only guaranteed until the early 2030s, coinciding with the expiration of current licenses.

Recent polling indicates that a significant portion of the population may struggle to afford the enhanced high-speed broadband required to stream major sports events like the World Cup reliably. An extensive survey conducted across 100 closely contested Labour-held areas revealed that 80% of respondents believe it is crucial for major sporting events to remain accessible for free, with 50% considering it highly important.

The research also highlighted that 73% of participants have watched live World Cup or Euros matches on free-to-air TV, and a majority (74%) oppose the idea of mandating football fans to pay for broadband to view the World Cup, compared to a mere 10% in favor. Additionally, 70% of those surveyed believe that significant sporting events should be freely available over traditional broadcast channels, rather than reliant on internet connectivity.

Transitioning exclusively to IPTV services would necessitate all viewers to depend on fixed broadband, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility, especially for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households. Campaigners caution that proposals to phase out DTT could effectively transform pivotal national occasions into paid viewing content.

A representative from Broadcast 2040+ emphasized, “Switching off DTT could turn shared national moments into a luxury. The World Cup should be a unifying experience for the entire nation, not limited to those who can afford fast broadband or multiple subscriptions.”

Labour MP Joe Morris, supporting the cause, expressed, “The communal experience of watching World Cup matches on free TV is invaluable. Restricting these moments behind an internet paywall would be unpopular in communities like mine.” The campaign has garnered 155,000 signatures on a petition aimed at safeguarding free-to-air terrestrial TV.

In response, a Government spokesperson assured, “The government remains committed to ensuring continued access to World Cup broadcasts for years to come, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the games as TV consumption shifts increasingly online.”