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Free UK satellite TV service begins

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BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Free satellite TV service begins

ALSO SEE:
freesat - the new free HD digital satellite TV service from the BBC & ITV


Help with freesat - FAQs on the new freesat HDTV service



HD productions including Planet Earth will be available on the service

A free-to-view satellite television and radio service from the BBC and ITV is being launched across the UK.

Freesat is available to 98% of homes with a satellite dish, including those who are currently unable to receive Freeview television.

It broadcasts 80 digital TV and radio channels including the main ones, and will rise to 200 by the end of 2008.

Users make a one-off payment for a dish, set-top box and installation, but will not pay a monthly subscription.

HD boost

Emma Scott from Freesat told BBC Radio 5Live: "It's got 98% coverage across the UK and it's only homes that really don't have a clear line of sight to the satellite that can't get it, or certain listed buildings.

"But unlike Freeview you can receive Freesat across the country, which means that in those areas that at the moment can't get access to free digital television this is the first time that you can get free digital TV."

TV viewing
The service is launching in shops including Argos and Comet

Freesat will also carry high-definition (HD) programmes.

The BBC's media correspondent Torin Douglas said the BBC and ITV are hoping the new service would increase interest in HD television.

It is thought that around 10 million homes in the UK now have a television set capable of carrying HD, but most do not have a receiver or subscription.

The BBC Trust has said that Freesat is guaranteed to remain subscription-free.

Set-top boxes will be available from electrical outlets which will also arrange installation.

Sky also offers a service which is free to view once the equipment has been purchased.