Internet-based TV produces higher emissions and impacts the environment, Real Wireless research finds
London, UK - 13 November 2024 - A Net Zero Impact technology and spectrum demand Analysis led by telecoms advisory firm Real Wireless as part of the Future of TV Distribution report launched by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) last week has revealed that internet-based TV delivery produces higher emissions due to the energy status of distribution infrastructure, including data centres, modems, and routers. Real Wireless estimates that increased IPTV usage could significantly impact the environment, underscoring the need for efficient infrastructure solutions.
The Future of TV Distribution report was conducted under the R&D Science and Analysis Programme and was spearheaded by the University of Exeter, alongside the University of Leeds, MTM 3 Reasons, and Real Wireless. Guided by DCMS's Chief Scientific Adviser and Director of Analysis, Professor Catherine Johnson, the project aimed to foster innovative, long-term insights to support evidence development and facilitate knowledge sharing between government and industry experts.
In addition to the Net Zero Impact Analysis Real Wireless conducted an in-depth technology analysis as part of this effort, evaluating how spectrum use could impact the quality and coverage of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services and identifying technological barriers and enablers to IPTV adoption. This analysis reviewed the UK's digital infrastructure, pinpointing policy and evidence gaps. The research found that in 2023, many UK households still use the original DVB-T standard and MPEG2 compression technologies, even as other European nations adopted more advanced technologies. By 2040, network capacity in the UK is expected to support widespread internet-based TV viewing but further research is needed to assess IPTV's reliability relative to DTT, especially within home networks beyond ISPs' control.
Real Wireless also explored spectrum use in light of developments from the World Radio Conference-27 (WRC-27), examining the unique characteristics of the UHF band and demand from other sectors like PMSE.
Dr. Abhaya Sumanasena, Head of Policy and Regulation at Real Wireless and project lead, commented, "Collaborating with our partners on this project has allowed us to contribute meaningful research that will support the Government in making informed decisions on the future of TV distribution."
Other contributions included MTM's audience analysis, which outlined current and anticipated trends in TV viewing habits. MTM also examined unconnected TV groups, key audience segments, and barriers to DTT and IPTV adoption, projecting the likely evolution of these trends up to 2040.
The University of Exeter, as project lead, conducted an international comparison to assess how European countries plan to approach future spectrum use from 2031, including the shift to DVB-T2 standards.
Overall, the Future of TV Distribution report provides essential insights and recommendations for policymakers, aiding Ofcom and DCMS in planning the future of TV in the UK.
Download the report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-of-tv-distribution
Find out more about Real Wireless and it's work on sustainability and net zero projects: https://real-wireless.com/topics/sustainability-and-net-zero/
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