I'm very ambivalent about DataLinking's usefulness and value.
For one thing, as the programme pointed out, there are many systems under trial, none of which are compatible with any others.
Furthermore, its usefulness will be circumscribed by how many aircraft in a sector are fitted with the necessary equipment.
Next, it will actually reduce situational awareness since you will "hear" no instructions to other aircraft.
Finally, since situational awareness will be degraded quite considerably, there is no ability to question an instruction that appears erroneous.