A terrestrial TV agreement in a streaming era
The recommendation appears in a new report commissioned after Ofcom met with Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald. The regulator recognized the established role of RTÉ and TG4 in Northern Ireland, saying access across the border serves cultural, language and public service goals.
Under the 2010 Memorandum of Understanding, the two governments committed to keeping RTÉ and TG4 widely available in Northern Ireland following the 2012 shutdown of analog television. That agreement helped expand digital terrestrial coverage, but its scope does not reflect the growth of internet-delivered viewing, Ofcom said.
The regulator suggested that a revised pact could establish a shared policy goal of maintaining broad access to the Republic's public service programming through internet-based platforms, within legal and rights restrictions. While it would not rewrite rights contracts or change how internet service providers operate, it could give broadcasters stronger policy backing in discussions with rights holders and technical partners.
Ofcom said that approach could help preserve the original all-island public service objective as television distribution increasingly shifts online.
Rights restrictions affect sports and catch-up viewing
Sports account for much of the geoblocking problem. Northern Ireland viewers have been unable to access certain live broadcasts digitally, including Ireland's Six Nations rugby matches and Katie Taylor's final career fight last month. Restrictions have also prevented them from watching RTÉ's The Traitors on catch-up.
Some programs are licensed for viewing only in the Republic, leading services to block UK IP addresses. Ofcom said RTÉ and TG4 seek all-island rights "whenever these are available", but sports organizations frequently market UK rights separately from those for the Republic.
The issue has also prompted discussions between ministers. In September 2026, Irish Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan said he had made repeated requests to meet UK Culture Minister Lisa Nandy about sports geoblocking for Northern Ireland audiences. He said the matter falls under the Good Friday Agreement and affects viewers in the Republic's border counties as well.
Possible fixes and their limits
Alongside a review of the agreement, Ofcom called for further discussions involving both governments, broadcasters, sports organizations, internet service providers and technical companies. It said broadcasters and rights holders might be able to arrange solutions for individual events.
Options identified in the report include verified viewer accounts and dedicated set-top boxes that would give Northern Ireland residents access through key codes. These were presented as possible ways to reduce geoblocking, not as measures already in place.
Another proposal would distinguish Northern Ireland viewers from other UK users through dedicated IP addresses. Irish News sports journalist Cahair O'Kane put forward the idea, which SDLP leader Claire Hannah discussed at Westminster in 2024.
Ofcom said some providers might be technically able to introduce such addresses. But their scarcity and cost, together with potentially disproportionate implementation requirements, were obstacles. The regulator did not expect providers to proceed voluntarily without a strong incentive.
Ministers asked to act
Archibald said she had written again to London and Dublin seeking cooperation, starting with a review of the 2010 agreement's objectives. She has called geoblocking "completely unacceptable" and warned that changing viewing habits could leave Northern Ireland audiences facing more restrictions. Her Sinn Féin colleague Áine Murphy, the MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said viewers were being treated with "contempt".
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said in September 2026 that he intended to bring the issue personally to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly. He hoped a resolution could be reached well before the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Responding to the Irish News, the Republic's Department of Culture, Communications and Sport said it knew of the report and remained in contact with UK counterparts on shared concerns. It also understood that broadcasters and regulators on both sides were discussing the issue. The Irish News sought comment from RTÉ and the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
