Free-to-View Satellite TV in the UK

This page contains some information on free-to-view satellite over the Sky Digital system.

Sky Digibox Sky Digital offers digital satellite TV for the UK. Typically, customers subscribe to Sky and get a wide range of TV channels either as part of their subscription, or for free. On this page, we look at what's free-to-view on the Sky Digital system.

If you have an existing Sky satellite dish, and are looking for a subscription-free option, then there are a couple of choices open to you. Some of the channels available on Sky Digital's satellite system can be watched free-of-charge, without a Sky subscription. Here's some useful information:

Free to air

A number of digital channels can be viewed on a Sky Digibox without a subscription or a card, as the signal is not encrypted - see Sky's Free to Air channel list. Over 200 TV and radio channels are available, including the BBC channels, some of the news channels, and most of the shopping channels and radio stations.

For a list of the free channels that can be viewed on with a Sky dish and decoder without subscription, see Sky's list, or www.wickonline.com/fta.htm

Sky with no subscription, and 10% off in May 2008

Get 200 TV channels with no subscription. There's a one-off cost of £75, including box and installation. In May 2008, you can get 10% at Dixons online when using code SKY10 at the checkout.

Sky Pay Once, Watch Forever

Pay Once, Watch Forever. from Sky. With this option, launched in July 2007, you can get 200 TV channels with no subscription. Available exclusively from Dixons online, there's a one-off cost of Ł75, including box and installation. (OFFER: 10% off at Dixons when using code SKY10 at the checkout - May 2008 only!)

Sky FreeSat (Free to view)

Some channels are available Free-to-view on Sky - these can be viewed on a Sky Digibox, but you'll need a viewing card from Sky. These cards were originally known as Solus Cards, but now form part of Sky's FreeSat offering. For a one-off payment of £150, or £20 if you already have the Sky hardware and dish, you can get access to the FreeSat channels (around 200 channels of TV and radio).

To find out more about FreeSat and the channels on offer, see www.freesatfromsky.co.uk

Freeview

This is nothing to do with the Sky or satellite TV. The Freeview TV service is received on suitable set-top boxes or TV sets via a TV aerial, and not via a Sky box or satellite dish. Freeview was formerly known as onDigital and itvDigital, and it offers around 60 channels of TV and radio, with no subscription. Although the channel lineup is quite small compared to Sky, the no-contract, easy-installation, no-ties option appeals to many and is increasingly popular.

See our Freeview information page for more on getting subscription-free TV for a one-off equipment cost of about £30.

DIY Dish installation

If you want a wide choice of free TV channels via satellite, consider getting a DIY Free to Air Digital Satellite Kit. This includes 80cm satellite dish, digital TV receiver, and LNB. No subscription, no cards, no recurring fees - Available from Maplin from £99.99

Details of free-to-air and a list of the free channels on Sky are at: Free to air Sky

BBC/ITV FreeSat (Free to view)

In May 2008, Freesat launched in the UK - This is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, and at launch offers 80 channels of TV and radio, without subscription. This includes BBC and ITV High Definition TV, including HD.
See our Freesat page for more information on what Freesat has to offer.

Full channels: If you'd rather go for a Sky installation and subscription, to get channels such as Sky One, Paramount Comedy, SciFi channel and Sky Sport / Sky Movies, you'll save money by ordering online. Go to www.sky.com , choose a package and an installation date (including weekends).

The basic Sky service is available for £16 a month for one of their 'channel mix packages' of your choosing. You'll get a free Sky digibox and dish when you order online. A Ł30 installation fee applies.

For more, go to www.sky.com/skycom