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Freesat from Sky
By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk
Satellite TV provider Sky now offers a free-to-view service called Freesat; is it the right option for you? (Updated 29/12/09)
Sky’s (www.sky.com) new service lets consumers pay a one-off fee to receive free-to-view channels via a Sky satellite dish. Visit www.freesatfromsky.com for more information.
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What is Freesat from Sky?
Freesat from Sky is not just Freeview via satellite as many people think. Although it covers off all the Freeview channels, and there is no monthly subscription, there are far more channels available and you can upgrade to Sky’s subscription TV service any time you want because you’ll already have all the equipment.
If you already have a satellite installed and a Sky set-top box, then you can buy a Freesat from Sky viewing card for just £20.
Why should I get Freesat from Sky?
There are two main attractions to Freesat from Sky:
- Channels - There are over 240 TV channels and 85 radio channels available through Freesat from Sky, while Freesat from the BBC has around 100 channels in total, and Freeview even less
- Availability - Because Freesat from Sky is a satellite TV service, it is available to about 98% of the country, while Freeview is only available to around 75% at the moment.
If you live in an area that’s not yet covered by Freeview but want to switch to digital TV without committing to a subscription, then Freesat from Sky will be ideal for you.
What do I need for Freesat from Sky?
To receive Freesat from Sky, all you need to do is arrange for an engineer to visit your home and install your Sky box and dish.
In most cases they will also connect the service to your phone line so that you can take advantage of their interactive services such as email and online shopping through your TV.
You will have to make a one off payment of £146.81 to cover installation, connection and hardware. There are no monthly subscriptions to pay but if you want to upgrade to Sky’s packs at any point, you can.
To compare Freesat from Sky against other digital TV suppliers click here, or to see what channels you get with Freesat, click on a package in our price comparison calculator.
Comments
When the subscription period ends, will I be able to cancel it and buy a freesat card from sky for £20 instead of paying a monthly subscription? Would I still get the sky+ service (as I will own the box and dish at the end of the period, as I understand it)? Would I lose anything else? - Jul 13 2010 8:14PM
This is costing me about £55 per month. The braodband alone costs £17 pm I would like to go Freesat with HD - a one off payment and get another Broadband provider.
What would you advise, Postal code is BT601TS - Jun 12 2010 8:51PM
We currently have the Sky equipement,but are not subscribing. We are considering having installed Sky Freesat in readiness for the digital switchover in March 2010.
Am I right in thinking for 20 pounds we can avail ourselves of this service.
I shall be obliged to receive your advice in this matter.
Many Thanks.
Gerald Crump - Feb 20 2010 9:31PM
Becca, DigitalChoices.co.uk - May 1 2009 9:08AM