Sky and Freeview have long been dominant players in the UK TV market, delivering content to millions of households. However, a new competitor, Freely, emerged in 2024 and has quickly gained traction, with over one million households adopting the service.
Since its inception, Freely has continuously enhanced its features and expanded its TV guide, offering over 50 live channels without the need for traditional aerial or satellite dish installations.
The latest development from Freely is the introduction of Freely Spotlight Channels, providing additional entertainment options to users at no extra cost. These channels will be accessible through standard Wi-Fi connections.
Freely has revealed that the Spotlight Channels will be featured on channel 31, as well as channels 90 to 99, and will also be integrated into Freely-enabled devices for CTV OS partners.
V (formerly VIDAA), the developer of the VIDAA OS platform used in Hisense TVs, is the launch partner for the Freely Spotlight Channels. It will bring a curated selection of its channels to the Freely TV Guide.
These new channels will be integrated alongside established UK broadcasters in the TV guide, offering increased visibility and credibility within the regulated UK TV landscape.
While specific content details for the Spotlight Channels have not been disclosed yet, more information is expected to be released closer to the launch date.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed the company’s focus on providing long-term value to all stakeholders as Freely expands its reach. The inclusion of CTV OS partners in the TV guide opens up new opportunities while ensuring easy access to free, reliable TV content for UK audiences.
Halder also highlighted the significance of V’s role as the launch partner for the Spotlight Channels, acknowledging their longstanding partnership since Freely’s inception.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is operated by the same team behind Freeview and Freesat. The key distinction is that all content is delivered over broadband, eliminating the need for traditional TV installations.
To access Freely, users only require a compatible TV or set-top box and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The platform offers over 50 live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.
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