What is it? Freesat is an alternative way to receive free to air digital broadcasts. It was developed to allow more people access to digital TV.
Who Owns it? It is a non profit making organisation developed by the BBC and ITV to allow them to meet their targets for the analogue switch off (2011 in Yorkshire)
How much will it cost? Freesat is subscription free and there are no set up charges. If you have a Sky dish all you need to do is buy a new box, starting at around £50, and plug it in to your existing satellite cable. This is great if you don’t have a Sky box. However if you have a Sky box you already have access to non High Definition (HD), Freesat on the Sky system.
If you don’t have a dish then it is fairly inexpensive and simple to have one fitted.
Why would I want it? Freesat gives you access to HD content. With Sky, to get HD TV it costs £200 for a HD box, £30 set up costs and £120 extra per year in subscription. With Freesat you buy the HD box (starting at around £120) and get all the BBC and ITV HD content for free. There are PVR boxes coming soon and they give features similar to Sky Plus.
How do I find out more? There are two companies advertising in the Wibsey Word. Both will give you excellent service. I would highly recommend calling them, they will give you impartial advise on the best system for you requirements.