The last time you shopped for a new TV, streaming stick or set-top box you may have had Freeview or FreeSat at the top of your essential features list. Soon it could well be the Freely TV service instead. Ever since digital terrestrial broadcasting began in the UK back in 1998, the writing was on the wall for your old-school TV aerial. In 2012 the old analogue broadcasts were turned off. We went off and replaced those chimney-mounted bits of wire with digital aerials, satellite dishes and Freeview boxes to receive those new digital broadcasts.
And then along came the internet and streaming entertainment from the likes of Netflix and others. All of a sudden the latest 50-inch TV wasn’t complete without also being a smart TV - preloaded with streaming and on-demand entertainment apps. At the time of writing, there are still plenty of viewing options for people with DTB aerials or satellite dishes - but, once again, it looks like this is another piece of technology that will eventually fall by the wayside.
So, is Freeview or FreeSat being discontinued?
The company behind FreeSat broadcasts say they have no plans to discontinue this - at the moment. FreeSat shares some of the same channels and content as Freeview - but not all. And, of course, it’s live - with only a few on-demand services on certain FreeSat boxes that also double as streaming devices.
As for Freeview - the UK government says they have protected Freeview broadcasts until 2034 - so if you’re perfectly happy with it and don’t want or need to upgrade your TV, you’ll be fine for quite a while. Until now, if you’re in one of those areas where the digital signal is often turning your picture blocky or just want the flexibility of watching programmes on-demand, you’ve had Freeview Play - the service’s on-demand and watch live app to move to. But only if your set supports it. If not, you might have already bought a TV recorder with Freeview built-in. However, the Freely TV service is set to supersede the current Freeview offering.
Freeview Play to the rescue?
Like the digital broadcast version, the Freeview Play app has access to some live TV channels but is mainly geared towards on-demand content and box sets. Right now it has over 60,000 hours of on-demand TV and 1,500 box sets to access. Again, the Freely TV service is set to provide more, alongside more live TV. That said, we do expect Freeview Play to continue for some time; But as more people adopt the convenience and wider choice of Freely, it’s likely to be relegated to the background for most users and become a non-essential optional download.
So, what is Freely and why does it matter?
The company behind both Freeview and FreeSat are called Everyone TV. It’s co-owned by the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5. As smart TV technology evolves, the company has been looking at ways of bringing more content together in one place. Also, by adding more live TV stations to the programme list, alongside catch-up and on-demand services, they aim to bring viewers together into a more shared experience: the Freely TV service. Unlike its predecessors, it won’t be broadcast over the air.
Crucially, the development of this new platform means that the company is clearly looking at the Internet as the primary broadcast method for all of this content. And that’s no great surprise. You only have to look at the rise of smart televisions with people owning 65-inch TVs that are connected to their broadband provider via their routers. As we fully enter the internet-enabled world, it’s only a matter of time before all aerials and dishes are regarded as outdated technology.
Perhaps the most important backing that Freely has is the TV industry itself. Recognising that Everyone TV and the broadcasters that run it are a force to be reckoned with, many major TV brands - starting with partner, Hisense - are preparing to launch new models that contain the Freely app. It’ll be a replacement for Freeview Play.
Is Freely good for UK viewers?
Although it’s likely to be a little confusing for some initially, we think that the Freely TV service is an excellent development. Firstly, having so many live channels and on-demand services under one roof will mean less switching between separate apps to get between your programmes and content. No more flitting between one app and the other just to catch up on Strictly Come Dancing or The Great British Bake Off.
Secondly, it’ll continue to be a subscription-free way of watching - so if you’ve invested in a massive 85-inch TV, you won’t pay a penny more for Freely.
Lastly, and perhaps the most impactful, is that the Freely TV service could make watching more of a shared national experience once again. Remember, back in the day, going to school or work and chatting with friends about what was on last night? Chances were pretty good that someone saw the same thing, and if they didn’t it would be simple for them to tune in the following night. As a one-stop-shop for the nation’s favourite channels and broadcasters, including ITV and BBC, it will finally gather most people’s viewing habits in one convenient place.
Any downsides?
The only real downside to the whole Freely proposition is that it is dependent on a good and reliable internet connection. However, with broadband able to now reach 99% of UK households, this is much less of a concern than it would have been a few years ago. Yes, you may need to look at a new streaming stick, box (or an affordable new TV, if you have the cash) but the former are likely to be very inexpensive. Plus, no more messy cable runs or indoor digital aerials to mess around with.
When does the Freely TV service launch?
Although it’s been in development for some time now, all indications are that Freely will launch sometime in 2024. So, keep an eye out for new TVs, apps and websites related to Freely as the year progresses.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.
He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.