The Government explains that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) multiplex licences are central to the functioning of the UK’s broadcasting system. The DTT platform is better known as Freeview, which is an important part of the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) system as content provided by the Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) on this platform is free at the point of use and widely accessible due to DTT’s nearly 99% coverage across the UK.

A number of national multiplex licences on the DTT platform which carry PSB and commercial channels are expiring in 2022 and 2026. To renew these licences the Government is required to make secondary legislation. The Government welcomes views on which of the four options it is presenting for renewal is most appropriate for each of the licences. The options are:

• Option (a): renewal on the same terms as before until 2034;
• Option (b): renewal until 2034 but with the inclusion of a new revocation clause;
• Option (c): renewal for a shorter period until 2026; and
• Option (d): renewal for an alternative length of time.

The consultation is open until 5 pm on 26 February 2021. To access the consultation, click here.