Freeview may support four HDTV channels

New research from Ofcom suggests that at least four HDTV channels could be supported by the Freeview digital terrestrial platform.

Ofcom is currently in discussions with public broadcasters regarding the findings.

The four, free-to-view HDTV channels would be universally available while a possible fifth channel would have 90% coverage.

The news marks a success for public broadcasters and the HD For All Campaign, which have been lobbying for spectrum capacity to be made available for HDTV.

There was concern that the platform would be auctioned off to mobile phone companies, meaning that many people in the UK would not have access to high-definition TV.