The shift to online TV viewing is accelerating, with the number of UK homes without broadband predicted to fall to just 220,000 by 2034.

New figures reveal a faster-than-expected take-up of internet-only TV, strengthening the case for switching off Freeview broadcasts during the next decade.

UK broadcasters, including the BBC, are asking the Government to set a date to switch off Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) signals, or Freeview, by the mid-2030s.

Shorts

Scroll to previous short

Scroll to next short

MEDIA

Why the BBC wants TV to go online-only

Adam Sherwin

Arts and Media Correspondent

The shift to online TV viewing is accelerating, with the number of UK homes without broadband predicted to fall to just 220,000 by 2034.

What the BBC wants

Following the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and CEO of news Deborah Turness and US President Donald Trump's threat of a lawsuit due to the editing of a BBC Panorama film about the US insurrection on the US Capitol, are BBC staff leaving Broadcasting House, on 10th November 2025, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)The BBC wants ministers to set a date to switch-off digital TV signals which are being used by fewer viewers in the streaming era (Getty)

New figures reveal a faster-than-expected take-up of internet-only TV, strengthening the case for switching off Freeview broadcasts during the next decade. UK broadcasters are asking the Government to set a date to switch off Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) signals, or Freeview, by the mid-2030s.



Interview

7 min read

What the figures show

The latest figures from independent analysts, 3 Reasons, shows the number of UK homes without broadband fell by 30 per cent between 2023 and 2025, and is now 1.2 million.

  • The fall in broadband-free homes outpaced the 10 per cent previously predicted for the time period.
  • Such an updated forecast will be used as further evidence by the BBC and other broadcasters that switch-off is achievable within a decade.
  • They would save millions of pounds in channel distribution costs by ending DTT transmissions.
  • Pushing switch-off as a policy objective carries a risk after The i Paper revealed nearly 48 per cent of people would oppose paying the £180 licence fee if its content were online-only.

What could go wrong?

Campaigners warn a switch-off would force the elderly, disabled people and those on low incomes to take on expensive high-speed broadband contracts just to watch TV, which is currently free-to-air.



MEDIA

4 min read



Big Read

5 min read

POLICING

Violent protests erupt over Henry Nowak’s death

Undated handout file photo originally issued on 07/12/25 by Hampshire Police of Henry Nowak. Sikh man Vickrum Digwa has been jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Issue date: Monday June 01, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Hampshire Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.Caption: Undated handout file photo originally issued on 07/12/25 by Hampshire Police of Henry Nowak. Sikh man Vickrum Digwa has been jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Issue date: Monday June 01, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Hampshire Police/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Hampshire Police
Provider: Hampshire Police/PA Wire
Source: pa

Two people have been arrested after protesters clashed with police near the site where 18-year-old student Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed.

Why are people protesting?

The clashes with police follow scrutiny over how officers dealt with the stabbing, which included handcuffing Nowak as he lay dying last December.

Bodycam footage showed him telling police “I’ve been stabbed” and an officer replied “I don’t think you have mate”. Nowak was arrested after Vickrum Digwa falsely claimed he had racially abused him. Digwa was jailed for life.



LIVE

1 min read



NEWS

4 min read

Arrests made after protest

Police and crime minister, Sarah Jones, confirmed two people had been detained following the clashes, but officers would be trawling through footage to see if more arrests are needed.

TOPSHOT - Protestors demonstrate with police officers near Portswood Police Station in Southampton, southern England, on June 2, 2026, during a protest held in reaction to the Police's handling of the detention of victim Henry Nowak, following the conviction of his murderer Vickrum Digwa. Body camera footage of dying student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed by British police after being stabbed by Sikh man Vickrum Digwa, and falsely accused of racially abusing his murderer sparked outrage Tuesday. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)Caption: TOPSHOT – Protestors demonstrate with police officers near Portswood Police Station in Southampton, southern England, on June 2, 2026, during a protest held in reaction to the Police’s handling of the detention of victim Henry Nowak, following the conviction of his murderer Vickrum Digwa. Body camera footage of dying student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed by British police after being stabbed by Sikh man Vickrum Digwa, and falsely accused of racially abusing his murderer sparked outrage Tuesday. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JUSTIN TALLIS
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors

Screen grab taken from PA Video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Picture date: Tuesday June 2, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar/PA WireCaption: Screen grab taken from PA Video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Picture date: Tuesday June 2, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire
Photographer: Jamie Lashmar
Provider: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire
Source: PA

How the far right is weaponising the protests

Police are monitoring the British far right over concerns that the protests will spark rioting.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been accused of “whipping up” anger and division after he said that the murder “must be a turning point” because “white lives matter too”.

Several far-right groups and figures have used the case to repeat the allegations, denied by police leaders, that “two-tier policing” discriminates in favour of ethnic minorities, and claim a “white genocide” is taking place.



Exclusive

4 min read

MONEY

How a new prime minister could affect your mortgage

A change in prime minister could affect mortgage rates, but probably not in the direct way many borrowers might assume, an expert has said.

How a prime minister could affect mortgages

Nick Mendes, of mortgage broker John Charcol, said politics only really matters for mortgages when it changes what markets think about borrowing, inflation or the credibility of the Government’s economic plan. These can change swap rates and, therefore, lender funding costs.



Money Clinic

3 min read



PROPERTY AND MORTGAGES

4 min read

The expert view

A prime minister can change, but if markets believe the broad fiscal direction is the same, the impact on mortgage pricing may be limited. If investors start to think a new government would borrow more, loosen fiscal policy, or make inflation harder to control, gilt yields can move higher. Swap rates can then follow.

NICK MENDES

Greater Manchester Mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham looks on as he meets residents impacted by flooding in the Makerfield constituency, where he is a candidate in the by-election, at the Platt Bridge Community Centre in Wigan, Britain, June 2, 2026 REUTERS/Temilade AdelajaCaption: Greater Manchester Mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham looks on as he meets residents impacted by flooding in the Makerfield constituency, where he is a candidate in the by-election, at the Platt Bridge Community Centre in Wigan, Britain, June 2, 2026 REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja
Photographer: Temilade Adelaja
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS

HEALTH

How yoga can reduce anxiety in cancer patients

Woman plus size practicing yoga at home in living room - stock photoWoman plus size practicing yoga at home in living room – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)

Yoga can lower emotional distress, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia in people living with cancer, a clinical trial has found.

Up to 95 per cent of cancer survivors struggle with sleep disturbances or insomnia at some point during or after their treatment, and more than half experience mood disturbances, anxiety or fatigue.

What did the study find?

  • The first clinical trial of its kind has shown that regular gentle hatha and restorative yoga can help improve those side-effects, without medication, The Guardian reported.
  • 204 participants were randomly assigned to receive standard survivorship care, which includes maintenance therapy, follow-up visits and monitoring for side-effects.
  • The other 206 participants received standard survivorship care and took part in Yoga for Cancer Survivors, a four-week programme using 18 gentle hatha and restorative yoga poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness.
  • Compared with the standard care participants, yoga participants experienced less overall mood disturbance, anxiety and fatigue, the study by the University of Rochester found.

It’s an important advance because it offers survivors, who are likely already managing multiple medications, a non-pharmaceutical solution for reducing four different side-effects at once.

Fumiko Chino, cancer researcher

Senior woman doing yoga in living room - stock photoSenior woman doing yoga in living room – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)

PENSIONS

What to know about inheritance tax changes for pensions

House Model on Top of Stack of CoinsCaption: House Model on Top of Stack of Coins
Photographer: seng kui Lim / 500px
Provider: Getty Images/500px
Source: 500px

The way inheritance tax applies to pensions is changing from next year.

Here is what we know so far about the rules coming in from April 2027.

What’s changing?

  • From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought within the value of the estate of someone who has died for inheritance tax purposes.
  • Current legislation does not consider most pension funds for the tax.
  • Personal representatives will be responsible for taking “reasonable steps” to identify the deceased person’s pension savings, work out their value and pay tax on them.
  • Personal representatives are those appointed to settle the affairs of someone who has died.

Potential headache for families

Personal representatives will need to scan through the person’s records and bank accounts, but may also need to contact pension companies and insurance schemes to notify them of the death and request information, Sky News reported. HMRC has not said what “reasonable steps” would be, and solicitors have warned that families often face fragmented records, historic workplace schemes, multiple providers, and online accounts that are password-protected.



Big Read

6 min read



LIFESTYLE

5 min read

What Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle is – and why Israel captured it

Israel announced the seizure of the medieval fortress yesterday, in the latest sign of its continued ceasefire breaches in the country.

An Israeli flag and a flag of the Golani Brigade fly on Beaufort Castle, as seen from Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, June 1, 2026. REUTERS/StringerCaption: An Israeli flag and a flag of the Golani Brigade fly on Beaufort Castle, as seen from Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, June 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Photographer: Stringer
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS

Defence minister announces capture

Members of Israeli troops at the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, in this screengrab from a handout video released on May 31, 2026. Israeli troops seized the Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, the military said, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. Israeli Military/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. OVERLAY FROM SOURCE.Caption: Members of Israeli troops at the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, in this screengrab from a handout video released on May 31, 2026. Israeli troops seized the Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, the military said, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. Israeli Military/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. OVERLAY FROM SOURCE.
Photographer: ISRAELI MILITARY
Provider: via REUTERS
Source: Handout

  • Israel Katz said the Israeli flag was flying over the castle yesterday.
  • The fort in southern Lebanon represents a strategic gain.
  • Israeli Defence Forces have carried out strikes in the surrounding area.



WORLD

4 min read

What is Beaufort Castle?

Known as Qalaat al-Shaqif in Arabic, the castle was built by French crusaders in the 12th century. It is near Nabatieh and its position is 700m (2,300ft) above sea level and affords whoever controls it a view over southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from a position across the border in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a Caption: Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from a position across the border in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a “dramatic shift” in the campaign against Hezbollah. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JALAA MAREY
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors

TOPSHOT - This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel shows an Israeli tank taking position amid destroyed buildings in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a Caption: TOPSHOT – This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel shows an Israeli tank taking position amid destroyed buildings in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a “dramatic shift” in the campaign against Hezbollah. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JALAA MAREY
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors

It has changed hands several times over the centuries, with Palestinian fighters using it as a base before Israel captured it in 1982. Israel then occupied it until withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000.

What is Israel doing in Lebanon?

Despite agreeing to a ceasefire on 16 April, Israel has continued to strike Lebanon with the aim of destroying the armed group Hezbollah, which mainly operates in the south of the country.

Beirut has been struck on two occasions and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered further strikes on the capital today.

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial service held for Ran Gvili, an off-duty police officer who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, and the last hostage recovered from Gaza, in Meitar, Israel, January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File PhotoCaption: FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial service held for Ran Gvili, an off-duty police officer who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, and the last hostage recovered from Gaza, in Meitar, Israel, January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File Photo
Photographer: Amir Cohen
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS



OPINION

4 min read

Watch more from The i Paper

@theipaper

Flames engulfed a warehouse in Khan Younis after it was hit by an Israeli strike on Thursday night, as civil defence workers struggled to put out the fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he had directed Israel’s military to take more of Gaza, initially by seizing 70% of the Palestinian territory, where the population is already penned into a tiny strip of land along the coast. Israel effectively controls an estimated 64% of the tiny coastal Strip, bombarded to ruins by Israel’s two-year military assault that followed the 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

♬ original sound – The i Paper – The i Paper

Rugby league legend John Kear dies ‘suddenly’ – what we know

The star passed away just a day after he could be heard commentating live on the Challenge Cup Final.

File photo dated 18/05/19 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced. Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA WireCaption: File photo dated 18/05/19 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Photographer: Richard Sellers
Provider: Richard Sellers/PA Wire
Source: PA

Legendary coach dies on way home

Kear, 71, a former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach, died yesterday afternoon as he travelled home from presenting on the match at Wembley.

He had retired from coaching in 2025 after a long career including 700 matches and coaching for three World Cups teams.



RUGBY LEAGUE

5 min read



Big Read

4 min read

A closer look at the detail

He began his career with a decade playing for his local team Castleford, before winning the Challenge Cup twice as a coach. A shock victory with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 was followed by Hull in 2005, having led England to the semi-finals of the 2000 World Cup.

File photo dated 16/09/06 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced. Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nigel Roddis/PA WireCaption: File photo dated 16/09/06 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nigel Roddis/PA Wire

Photographer: Nigel Roddis
Provider: Nigel Roddis/PA Wire
Source: PA

File photo dated 28/08/05 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced. Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Jones/PA WireCaption: File photo dated 28/08/05 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Jones/PA Wire

Photographer: David Jones
Provider: David Jones/PA Wire
Source: PA

The chair of the RFL said today: “It was always a pleasure to see John, at Wakefield Trinity games most recently, as he was full of energy and enthusiasm for the game he clearly loved and had given him so much, in the same way he had given back.”

More sport from The i Paper

@theipaper

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked Eid al-Adha celebrations in the Bronx on wearing a custom thobe fashioned from Arsenal’s 2025-26 away kit, a nod to his support for the newly-crowned Premier League champions. Arsenal claimed their first league title in 22 years this season and face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Munich on Saturday, with Mamdani’s public show of support coming just days before the club’s biggest match in decades. mamdani arsenal COYG

♬ original sound – The i Paper – The i Paper

Inglewood, CA - May 12, 2026 : The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee hold a media event at SoFi Stadium marking 30 days until the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Caption: Inglewood, CA – May 12, 2026 : The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee hold a media event at SoFi Stadium marking 30 days until the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Photographer: Jason Armond
Provider: Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
Copyright: 2026 Los Angeles Times

sport

The seven players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

With kick-off just a few weeks away and Thomas Tuchel’s squad ready to go, here are the players you should look out for in North America this summer.

High scorers

All eyes in this country will be on Harry Kane, England’s top goalscorer and captain. After a stunning season for Bayern Munich, this is likely his last chance to lead England to glory.

Harry Kane's England will go to the World Cup as one of four seeded teams (Photo: Getty)Harry Kane’s England will go to the World Cup as one of four seeded teams (Photo: Getty)

(FILES) Barcelona's Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on March 7, 2026. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente was convinced on May 26, 2026 that the next World Cup "is the moment" for the teenage phenomenon Lamine Yamal, AFP reports. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP via Getty Images)Caption: (FILES) Barcelona’s Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Spanish league football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on March 7, 2026. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente was convinced on May 26, 2026 that the next World Cup “is the moment” for the teenage phenomenon Lamine Yamal, AFP reports. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: ANDER GILLENEA
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors

At the other end of the career path, Lamine Yamal for Spain is also one to watch. At just 18, the Barcelona star has already scored for his country and hopes to bring them to victory after their Euros win in 2024.

Top of their game

Vinicius Junior left winger of Real Madrid and Brazil celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Caption: Vinicius Junior left winger of Real Madrid and Brazil celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Photographer: NurPhoto
Provider: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Source: NurPhoto
Copyright: Jose Breton/NurPhoto

Vinícius Júnior

A veteran attacker returning to the World Cup after his last appearance in 2002.

Kylian Mbappe

The striker has scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances for France.

LANDOVER, MD - MARCH 29: France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) smiles after a shot on goal late in the game during the France versus Colombia Road to '26 international soccer friendly on March 29, 2026 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Caption: LANDOVER, MD – MARCH 29: France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) smiles after a shot on goal late in the game during the France versus Colombia Road to ’26 international soccer friendly on March 29, 2026 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Photographer: Icon Sportswire
Provider: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Source: Icon Sportswire
Copyright: ?Icon Sportswire All Rights Reserved

OSLO, NORWAY - MARCH 31: Erling Haaland of Norway reacts during the international friendly match between Norway and Switzerland at Ullevaal Stadion on March 31, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)Caption: OSLO, NORWAY – MARCH 31: Erling Haaland of Norway reacts during the international friendly match between Norway and Switzerland at Ullevaal Stadion on March 31, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photographer: Stuart Franklin
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images

Erling Haaland

A top scorer for club sides, the striker will finally represent Norway.

England’s ones that got away

After representing England at U21 level, the ruthless attacker Jamal Musiala is now playing for Germany.

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 19: Jamal Musiala of Germany celebrates his teams first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany.(Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)Jamal Musiala scored his second goal of Euro 2024 in Germany’s win over Hungary (Photo: Getty)

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Olise of FC Bayern Muenchen reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between FC Bayern M??nchen and Chelsea FC at Football Arena Munich on September 17, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)Olise has been ‘the Bundesliga’s best player’ this season (Photo: Getty)

Michael Olise could have played for England, but the Crystal Palace right winger chose France instead.

Watch more on the World Cup

However, campaigners warn that a switch-off would force the elderly, disabled people and those on low incomes to take on expensive high-speed broadband contracts just to watch TV, which is currently free-to-air.

The latest figures from 3 Reasons, independent analysts whose forecasts are used by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), show that the number of UK homes without broadband fell by 30 per cent between 2023 and 2025, and now stands at 1.2 million.

The rate of the fall in broadband-free homes outpaced the 10 per cent previously predicted for the time period.

Such an updated forecast will be used as further evidence by the BBC and other broadcasters that switch-off is achievable within a decade.

They would save millions of pounds in channel distribution costs by ending DTT transmissions.

The BBC has warned that the costs of keeping Freeview on air to a dwindling audience would fall on the licence-fee payer.

However, pushing switch-off as a policy objective carries a risk for the BBC after The i Paper reported that nearly 48 per cent of people would oppose paying the £180 licence fee if its content were only available online.

Freely to overtake Freeview in a decade

The updated forecast for homes without broadband in 2034 is now 220,000 – around a quarter of the 800,000 originally forecast in a report for DCMS from 2024.

Alongside the surge in broadband take-up, Freeview users are switching to Freely, the free streaming platform launched in 2024 that offers live TV via an internet connection, without the need for an aerial.
More than one million households currently use Freely, which offers viewers around 60 channels, including the UK’s public service broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5).

Currently the UK’s fastest-growing TV service, the new platform is expected to overtake Freeview and be used in 10.5 million UK households by 2034, the 3 Reasons report forecasts.

Freeview, currently used on the main TV set in 9.7 million households, is set for a steep decline to one million homes by 2034.

The new forecast will feed into a Government decision, expected soon, on whether to set a target date for switching off DTT.

Everyone TV, the company that owns and manages Freeview and Freely, believes that a managed transition to switch off can help the remaining 220,000 households, if that is the number, make the leap to streaming television.

‘No viewer left behind’ pledge

Viewers could be given a “plug-in and stream” device that connects to their TV’s HDMI port, while the Digital Poverty Alliance is calling for financial support and an information drive to help vulnerable households make the broadband transition.

Jonathan Thompson, Everyone TV’s CEO, said: “The way audiences engage with TV is changing and these updated forecasts reflect that clear direction of travel. It is vital that any future change in TV distribution is carefully planned and managed, that issues of connectivity and affordability are addressed and that no viewer is left behind.”

However, Broadcast2040+, the campaign group calling for DTT to stay until the mid-2040s, warned against a “rushed transition to turn off terrestrial TV by 2034.”

A spokesperson said: “The public does not want every household in the country to be forced to pay for a high-speed fixed broadband connection just to watch TV. Terrestrial TV is universal, free-to-air and available via an aerial to 98.5 per cent of households at no additional cost.

“It is the most efficient way of broadcasting live TV and is a vital service for many older, lower-income or rural viewers, who may struggle with affordability, reliability and digital confidence.”

Industry sources said the Government would still need to set a target date for switchover, even if the process was occurring organically. “If there’s no date, there’s no imperative to make the access universal – to ensure connectivity for all and to address issues of affordability,” one figure said.