Freesat takes to skies to rival Freeview

by Fiona Ramsay, Media Week 06-May-08, 15:35

LONDON - The BBC and ITV have joined together to launch Freesat, a free-to-view satellite TV service to rival Freeview, the digital terrestrial TV service.

For a one-off payment of £49.99, Freesat provides viewers with more than 80 digital TV, radio and interactive channels, including high-definition (HD) programming from the BBC and ITV.

As well as BBC and ITV programmes, Freesat viewers will receive Channel 4, E4, More 4, Film 4 and a range of children's, news and music channels, with further channels to be rolled out in the coming months.

The service will be available to 98% of UK households, including those currently unable to receive digital television through an aerial. It is available in-store or online at Argos, John Lewis, Comet, Currys and selected independent retailers.

BBC HD, the UK's first free-to-air HD channel, will be carried on the service. It is currently broadcasting for four hours a day, between 8pm and midnight, with extended hours for live events.