UK NEWS
BBC AND ITV LAUNCH SATELLITE RIVAL TO SKY
Michael Grade and Mark Thompson launch the free digital satellite TV service
By Louise Barnett, Consumer Editor
THE BBC and ITV joined forces yesterday to launch a free-to-view satellite television service.
Called Freesat, it will compete with digital TV services already offered by Freeview and Sky.
And it can be accessed by 98 per cent of UK homes, compared with the existing Freeview service, using set-top boxes, which is available to 75 per cent of viewers.
Freesat, which involves installing a satellite dish and a receiving box, was welcomed because it will allow more people to get access to digital TV relatively cheaply.
It will also allow them access to the new BBC and ITV high-definition channels.
Customers will have to pay a minimum of £129 to set themselves up on the system. But the service is then free to watch, with no monthly subscription or contract fee.
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This new service will give more choice and help older people prepare for the digital switchover.
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Gordon Lishman, Age Concern
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Age Concern director general Gordon Lishman welcomed the Freesat launch, saying: “This new service will give more choice and help older people prepare for the digital switchover.”
By 2012 the UK’s analogue television signal will be completely switched off. This will mean that TV sets must be converted to receive digital or they will not work.
ITV and the BBC will each pay £3million a year to provide the Freesat service.
Launching the new service yesterday, BBC director general Mark Thompson said: “With the launch of Freesat, all the BBC’s digital channels, including BBC HD, will now be available to all licence fee payers wherever they live and however they choose to access them.
“This means they will have yet another way to watch a fantastic range of BBC output, from landmark dramas and world-class documentaries to national events and live sport.”
ITV executive chairman Michael Grade said: “The launch of Freesat is the final piece in the digital jigsaw and will ensure that all viewers in the UK have access to free-to-air digital and high definition television.”
But BSkyB chief operating officer Mike Darcey criticised ITV for refusing to make ITV HD available on Sky. He said: “ITV want to have their cake and eat it. On the one hand, they are claiming to champion HD for all, while on the other, they are deliberately withholding free-to-air content from almost half a million Sky HD homes. This is neither in viewers’ interests nor in keeping with ITV’s ‘HD for all’ posturing.”
BSkyB chief operating officer Mike Darcey criticised ITV’s decision not to make ITV HD available on Sky.
“ITV want to have their cake and eat it. On the one hand, they are claiming to champion HD for all, while on the other, they are deliberately withholding free-to-air content from almost half a million Sky HD homes,” he said.
“This is neither in viewers’ interests nor in keeping with ITV’s “HD for all” posturing.”
BSkyB chief operating officer Mike Darcey criticised ITV’s decision not to make ITV HD available on Sky.
“ITV want to have their cake and eat it. On the one hand, they are claiming to champion HD for all, while on the other, they are deliberately withholding free-to-air content from almost half a million Sky HD homes,” he said.
“This is neither in viewers’ interests nor in keeping with ITV’s “HD for all” posturing.”
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED...
Who is launching Freesat?
The BBC and ITV.
What is it?
Freesat broadcasts digital TV and radio channels. It is initially offering 80 channels. This will rise to 200 by the end of the year.
How much does it cost?
Customers pay a start-up fee for a digital box, satellite dish and installation. Prices start at £49 for the digital box rising to between £120 and £150 for the high-definition versions. Installation, including the satellite dish, costs £80 upwards.
Where can I get it?
Argos, Comet, Currys, John Lewis and some independent retailers.
Why is the BBC using licence payers’ money to fund this project?
Freesat will show the BBC’s high definition (HD) channel plus an ITV HD. This means 98 per cent of homes will get access to the new, ultra-clear programmes without paying a subscription fee. They must have an HD digital box plus an HD-ready TV.
Is this linked to the digital switchover?
By 2012 the analogue TV signal will by closed down across the UK. Freesat is another option for converting to digital.
Isn’t this just the same as Freeview?
Freesat has a wider choice of TV channels, including HD channels, and is available in more parts of the UK.
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