Freesat Launches Today

The joint free satellite service from ITV and the BBC, Freesat, launches today, with up to 200 channels on air by the end of the year.

Freesat said that the new service will reach almost all of the UK (98% of households).

From today, Freesat airs over 80 free digital television, radio and interactive channels and will also offer high definition services from the BBC and ITV.

The platform has no subscription and no contract; all that is required to receive it is a one-off payment for equipment.

Freesat will carry the BBC HD channel from today, with ITV HD launching exclusively in the near future.

Emma Scott, managing director, Freesat, said: “Today is a landmark day for digital TV in the UK – the launch of a new digital satellite service which brings free HD programmes to everyone.

“With more than 9.6 million HD-ready televisions already sold in the UK, but only a tiny fraction of those who own them currently able to receive HD programmes, there’s a big opportunity for Freesat to lead the way in introducing the UK to high definition viewing.”

Freesat box prices start from £49, with a high definition box available from £120, plus installation costs from around £80.

Mark Thompson, director-general, BBC, said: “With the launch of Freesat, all the BBC’s digital channels, including BBC HD, will now be available to all licence fee payers wherever they live and however they choose to access them.

“This means they will have yet another way to watch a fantastic range of BBC output, from landmark dramas and world-class documentaries to national events and live sport.”

Freesat: http://www.freesat.co.uk