Sky has published a new report, Stream On: The Future of UK TV, which finds that the UK can move fully to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s.

The new independent research by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates (O&O) says that only around 330,000 (2.2%) households are left to help over the line – “if Government sets a clear timetable and invests in targeted help for those most at risk of digital exclusion.”

Drawing on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 UK TV viewers, in-depth consumer workshops and expert interviews, the report concludes that: Every UK household could have access to internet-delivered TV by the mid-2030s, allowing traditional terrestrial distribution to be retired. It also found that most viewers have already made the switch – 94% of UK adults have internet at home and 92% use a video-on-demand (VOD) service. Audiences – including older viewers – are enthusiastic about connected TV, with 93% finding its features useful, rising to 99% among those aged 70+.

The report says that a ‘nightlight’ DTT or satellite service would be costly and little used, with minimal audience demand; and that consumers would prefer Government to focus on digital inclusion – skills and affordability – than maintaining a legacy broadcast system.

The publication comes as DCMS and Ofcom consider options for the future of TV distribution and the potential retirement of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) during the 2030s.

The report says audiences want better content discovery, strong safety features and a “trusted, family-friendly environment.”

Nick Herm, Group Chief Operating Officer at Sky, said:“This research shows that modern TV and social inclusion can go hand in hand. A full move to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s is achievable – and it can help close the digital divide rather than deepen it. With most people already streaming, an investment from the Government in skills and affordable connectivity for the relatively small number of households who still need help to get online will have benefits far beyond TV, while saving hundreds of millions on maintaining legacy systems.”

The full research and findings can be found in Stream On: The Future of UK TV,available here.