Sky and Freeview have long been dominant players in the UK TV market, reaching millions of households. However, a new contender, Freely, emerged in 2024 and has rapidly gained popularity with over one million households switching to its service.
Since its debut, Freely has continuously enhanced its features and expanded its TV guide to offer over 50 live channels without requiring traditional aerial or dish installation.
In a recent development, Freely introduced the Freely Spotlight Channels, providing additional entertainment options to users at no extra cost. These channels are accessible via a standard Wi-Fi connection and will be positioned on channel 31, as well as channels 90 to 99, available to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices.
V (formerly VIDAA), the company behind the VIDAA OS used in Hisense televisions, is the launch partner for Freely Spotlight Channels, bringing a curated selection of channels to the Freely TV Guide ahead of other partners.
These new channels will be integrated alongside established UK broadcasters in the TV guide, offering selected channels increased visibility and credibility within the regulated UK TV environment. While specific content details are yet to be revealed, more information is expected closer to the launch date.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed the company’s commitment to providing long-term value to users and partners through the Freely platform. By collaborating with CTV OS partners in enhancing the TV guide, Freely aims to offer free and trusted TV content easily accessible to UK audiences amidst the evolving streaming landscape.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it operates under the team responsible for Freeview and Freesat. Unlike its predecessors, Freely delivers all content through broadband, eliminating the need for traditional TV equipment installation. Users only require a compatible TV or set-top box and a stable Wi-Fi connection to access its offerings, including live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.