Digital TV News

Will Freesat’s brilliant idea be enough?

9 May 2008

Freesat is a new free-to-air digital satellite television platform developed by the BBC and ITV plc. The service was launched on May 6th 2008, offering a selection of channels available without subscription  for a one off payment of  £200.

The service will make use of the additional capacity available on satellite to offer High Definition (HD) channels.

Freesat was set up to ensure that all UK households have the opportunity to access digital TV and Radio, subscription-free.
Freesat was formed in May 2007 as a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, and includes many of the same people behind Freeview.
Freesat is funded 50/50 by ITV and the BBC, and is run on a not-for-profit basis and is accepted as direct competition to Sky’s Freesat from Sky offer, which has been running since 2004.

The Idea is accepted as a good one in the community – but with the wealth of alternatives available to the consumer – including the very similar Freeview, who will this really suit?