Satellite channels

A full sateliite service of TV and radio has been available only from BSkyB – see below for full details. But BBC and ITV have launched (in 2008) a national, free-to-view satellite service too. So here first is some brief information on that.

Freesat from BBC and ITV

• one off payment for a satellite dish, set top box and installation and no monthly subscription
• buy the kit and arrange installation through high street retailers
• pay from £49 for a standard set top box or from £120 for a high definition box, plus £80 for the dish and installation
• right now you will get over 140 digital TV and radio channels
• high definition BBC and ITV programmes available with HD boxes or freesat iDTVs.

See contacts list for freesat from BBC and ITV.

Freesat from Sky

There are two main options:

• The no-subscription Freesat from Sky service – you pay a one-off cost of £75 for all equipment and installation. For this you get over 120 digital TV channels, 80+ digital radio channels and interactive services.
• A subscription service – ranging from £17 to £47 a month, you pay for only the packages you want. You can get more than 400 digital TV channels as well as digital radio stations and interactive services. Sky Box Office movies/events, Sky+ recorder and Sky HD cost extra.

See contacts list for BSkyB.

FOR AND AGAINST SATELLITE

Other satellite services?
You can buy satellite receivers and dishes from satellite dealers and get 120+ TV channels and 80+ radio stations free-to-air – but not Channels 4 and 5 and no on-screen TV guide.

Back to top