The future of digital TV over-air is in doubt as services could be switched off in less than 10 years, according to an update issued to Parliament about Freeview services.

As many as 18 million UK households still use Freeview, the free-to-air digital service which is pre-installed on all TVs, as well as free satellite equivalent Freesat.

But Freeview is only guaranteed to continue to broadcast over the air until 2034, and its future beyond that date is up in the air.

MP Dan Norris asked about 'the potential effect of turning off Freeview on areas with poor broadband connectivity'.

Ian Murray, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, said that government is right now examining the future of digital TV for the UK.

He said: "The Department is leading a project to assess the future of TV distribution and we are committed to maintaining access for all. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is protected until at least 2034, safeguarding access for millions of households. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences, especially those who rely on DTT as their primary means of watching television."

A report on the future of terrestrial television issued by government in September lists a 'switch off' in the 2030s as a potential option for Freeview which is being considered.

It said Ofcom has set out 'three broad approaches' for the government to consider, including:

• investment in a more efficient DTT service

• reduction of DTT down to a core service

• movement towards DTT switch-off over the 2030s

The BBC's former Director General Tim Davie pushed for Freeview to be turned off and replaced with internet based Freely instead.

He said in May: "As DCMS explores the best way forward for the future of TV distribution, we believe the BBC can play a vital role in helping to support audiences to transition to digital in a way that's fair and equitable, where access is guaranteed and no one is left behind.

"We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success.

"There are huge benefits, financially and socially, and we want to play our part, working with government, with our sector and beyond to help - building trust that a digital world can work for all. The BBC can play a key role in innovating to ensure that the new world is inclusive and accessible.

"To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services."

The Broadcast 2040+ campaign was launched in 2022 by Arqiva (the provider of the DTT infrastructure). The campaign wants to secure the future of free-to-air broadcast TV and radio services beyond 2034. Initially led by five members, the group's membership has expanded to 37 organisations.