6 May 2008
The BBC and ITV has launched a free-view television and radio service across the UK.
The service will be branded Freesat and will be available to 98% of UK households, including those that cannot receive Freeview, which is broadcast via terrestrial transmitters and aerial.
The new service will offer more than 80 television and radio channels, which is hoped to increase to 200 by the end of the year. Viewers will also be able to watch high-definition (HD) programming without paying a subscription.
Customers will initially be required to make a one-off payment of £150 for a digital box, satellite dish and installation and viewers will need an HD-ready television to view high-definition programmes.
This is not the first subscription-free satellite system on the market, Sky have been offering 200 channels, including BBC and Luxe HD, via its own Freesat service since October 2004.
Torin Douglas, the BBC's media correspondent, said the BBC and ITV were hoping their new service would also increase interest in HD television. Millions of people have already got HD-ready television sets.
The BBC Trust has said Freesat is guaranteed to remain subscription-free. Set-top boxes will be available from high street retailers, who will also arrange installation.
Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.
