Freesat is a selection of free television channels and radio stations available via satellite. Coverage stands at just over 98% of UK households, making it the ideal choice for people who cannot receive Freeview, but still want to enjoy digital television without a monthly subscription (Freeview coverage currently stands at around 75% of UK homes). What’s more, Freesat also offers some channels in High Definition.

 

Just like Freeview, a wide range of set top boxes and dishes will be available to purchase: from cheaper, SD-only set top boxes to top-spec High Definition PVRs (available later this year) and television sets with Freesat tuners built-in (available later this year). If you don’t already have a satellite dish where you live, you’ll be able to arrange for installation where you buy the box for around £80.

 

The majority of channels available through Freeview will be on Freesat, as well as extra services like more interactive streams on BBCi, all the BBC and ITV regions, more radio stations, and HD services. You’ll be able to watch all the channels in the green (free to air) section of the table on the right, but not those in the blue (free to view) and orange (subscription-only channels) sections. Channels subject to change.

 

 

deesat (the blog about Freesat from deeteetee) has complete channel listings and the latest news about the service: click here to visit, or go to the official Freesat website at www.freesat.co.uk

An alternative service, Freesat from Sky, is also available. A one-off payment of £150 covers full installation of a dish and set-top box, and the cost of a viewing card which enables you to watch free-to-view channels (currently only four services, shown in the blue section on the right) as well as free-to-air channels (those available via Freesat, shown in the green section).

 

The set top box will need to be connected to your phone line, which allows you to use interactive services such as voting, message sending and donations. No extra equipment is required should you choose to upgrade to a Sky subscription package at a later date. If you’ve already got Sky-branded equipment installed in your house, all you need to pay is £20 for the viewing card (previously known as a Solus card). A complete list of channels available can be found here.

 

 

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