The landscape of British television is undergoing its most significant shift in years with the official launch of Freely, a new free-to-air streaming service from Everyone TV. This innovative platform is poised to challenge established giants like Sky and Freeview by delivering live and on-demand content directly over the internet, eliminating the need for a satellite dish or traditional TV aerial.
Backed by the UK's leading public service broadcasters—BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5—Freely integrates seamlessly into the next generation of smart TVs. Its mission is to future-proof free television, ensuring easy access for millions of households as the industry continues its digital evolution.
How Does Freely Work?
Unlike Freeview, which relies on a physical aerial, Freely uses your home's broadband connection to stream content. The service will be built directly into new smart TVs from leading brands, with Hisense being the first to launch models featuring Freely support. This integrated approach means users can switch between live channels and on-demand players like BBC iPlayer and ITVX with a single click of the remote.
The homepage is designed for simplicity, offering curated recommendations and a traditional TV guide for those who prefer scheduled viewing. The goal is to combine the best of live, linear television with the convenience of modern streaming.
What Channels Are Available?
At launch, Freely offers a robust lineup of over 20 live channels. This includes all the key public service broadcasters and popular free-to-air favourites such as:
- BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5
- BBC Three, BBC Four, ITV2, ITVBe, E4
- More4, Film4, BBC News, BBC Parliament, CBBC
- CBeebies, Drama, 5STAR, 5USA, and others
This ensures viewers have access to a wide array of entertainment, news, and children's programming from day one.
The Future of Free TV
Freely represents a strategic move to keep free television relevant and accessible in an era dominated by paid subscriptions. Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer of Everyone TV have emphasised that this is just the beginning, with plans to expand channel options and features in the future.
For now, accessing Freely requires purchasing a compatible new TV. While there are no immediate plans for a separate set-top box, the service is set to become a standard feature on many new sets sold in the UK, making it an easy and cost-effective choice for consumers looking to cut the cord without losing access to their favourite shows.
