Freesat to take on BSkyB

Updated 23.08 Tue May 06 2008

A digital satellite TV service featuring more than 80 TV and radio channels has been launched.

Freesat will be available to 98 per cent of UK homes, including those who currently cannot receive Freeview, which is broadcast via terrestrial transmitters and aerials.

"The launch of Freesat is the final piece in the digital jigsaw and will ensure that all viewers in the UK have access to free-to-air digital and high definition television" - Michael Grade

While no subscription payment is required, viewers will need to pay a one-off payment for a digital box, satellite dish and installation.

The number of TV and radio channels featured on Freesat is expected to rise to 200 by the end of the year.

The service, provided by the BBC and ITV, will go up against BSkyB, which has hundreds of channels.

The initial Freesat channel line up includes BBC1, BBC2, BBC3 and BBC4 as well as ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4.

Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, news channels BBC News and Al-Jazeera English as well as children's channels, digital radio and interactive channels will also feature. BBC HD channel will be on the service from day one and ITV HD will launch soon afterwards.

ITV chairman Michael Grade said: "The launch of Freesat is the final piece in the digital jigsaw and will ensure that all viewers in the UK have access to free-to-air digital and high definition television."

He said the HD service would feature the FA Cup, England internationals and Uefa Champions League from next season.

"Now everyone in the UK can experience the benefits of digital television: more choice of channels, interactivity and the extraordinary picture quality of HD."

A high definition box starts at around £120 and installation, including a satellite dish, will cost around £80.