What is Freesat?
Freesat is a satellite TV service jointly operated by the BBC and ITV. It delivers over 200 TV channels and 40 radio stations via satellite, completely free with no monthly fees — ever. You pay once for the dish and receiver, and that's it. Channels include all the main BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 services in HD, plus a wide range of additional channels not available on Freeview.
Freesat is particularly popular in parts of London where Freeview reception is poor — areas with signal shadows from tall buildings, lower floors of purpose-built blocks, and locations at the fringe of the Crystal Palace transmitter's coverage. Satellite reception is unaffected by terrestrial signal issues.
Freesat vs Sky — what's the difference?
Both Freesat and Sky use a satellite dish. The difference is simple: Freesat is free; Sky requires a monthly subscription. Freesat uses the same Astra 28° East satellite as Sky, so the two services are often compatible with the same dish. In many cases, if you already have a Sky dish, we can install a Freesat receiver and you'll be getting 200+ free channels without any additional dish installation.
What's included in our Freesat installation service
- Full signal survey before installation
- Satellite dish supply and installation at the correct position for optimum signal
- Freesat receiver or Freesat+HD recorder supply and configuration (or we use your existing box)
- Cabling from dish to receiver, neatly routed and sealed
- Channel scan, setup, and check of all channels
- Demonstration of all features before we leave
Freesat repairs
Freesat systems are generally reliable, but faults do occur. The most common issues we repair:
- Lost signal after storms — usually dish misalignment or LNB failure
- Some channels working but others missing — often an LNB or signal strength issue
- Freesat box error codes — we diagnose whether the fault is in the box or the dish/cabling
- Satellite dish corroded or physically damaged
- Cabling faults causing intermittent signal drop-out
Freesat in flats and blocks
Freesat in purpose-built blocks and converted flats is more involved than a straightforward house installation. Many blocks in London don't permit individual satellite dishes on the exterior. In these cases, a communal satellite system (IRS — Integrated Reception System) can be installed to serve the whole building from a single dish. We design and install IRS systems for residential blocks and work with freeholders and managing agents to get approval and complete the work with minimal disruption.
Pricing
- Freesat dish and receiver supply and installation: from £150
- Freesat receiver only (using existing dish): from £75
- Freesat dish repair or realignment: from £75
- LNB replacement for Freesat system: from £85
Frequently asked questions
What is Freesat and is it really free?+
Freesat is a satellite TV service operated by the BBC and ITV, delivering over 200 channels and 40 radio stations with no monthly fees. You pay once for the dish and receiver, and there are no ongoing costs ever.
Can I use my existing Sky dish for Freesat?+
In many cases, yes. Freesat uses the same Astra 28° East satellite as Sky, so an existing Sky dish is often compatible. We can install a Freesat receiver and have you receiving 200+ free channels without a new dish installation.
Will Freesat work where my Freeview reception is poor?+
Often, yes. Satellite reception isn't affected by the terrestrial signal problems — signal shadows from tall buildings or fringe transmitter coverage — that degrade Freeview, which makes Freesat a reliable alternative in many parts of London.
Can you install Freesat in a flat or block?+
Yes. Where individual dishes aren't permitted, we can install a communal IRS system that serves the whole building from a single dish, working with freeholders and managing agents to gain approval and minimise disruption.
