In the realm of television entertainment, Sky and Freeview have long been dominant players in the UK, delivering content to countless households. However, a formidable competitor has emerged in the form of Freely, which burst onto the scene in 2024 and has swiftly garnered over a million households as subscribers.
Since its inception, Freely has continually enhanced its offerings, expanding its TV guide to include more than 50 live channels accessible without the need for traditional aerial or satellite dish installations.
The latest development from Freely is the introduction of Freely Spotlight Channels, which promise additional entertainment options at no extra charge. These new channels will be available exclusively through standard Wi-Fi connections and will be featured on channel 31, as well as channels 90 to 99, accessible to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices.
Leading the charge as the launch partner for Freely Spotlight Channels is V (formerly known as VIDAA), the company behind the VIDAA OS utilized in Hisense smart TVs. V will curate a selection of channels from its lineup to join the Freely TV Guide, offering viewers a diverse range of content.
These new channels will be integrated alongside established UK broadcasters, providing increased visibility and credibility within the regulated TV landscape of the UK. While specific channel content details are yet to be disclosed, more information is anticipated closer to the launch date.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed enthusiasm for Freely’s growth trajectory, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to delivering long-term value and creating opportunities for partners while ensuring accessible, high-quality TV content for UK audiences in the digital age.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is operated by the same team behind Freeview and Freesat, offering a broadband-based content delivery system that eliminates the need for traditional antennas or complex installations. Users only require a compatible TV or set-top box and a reliable Wi-Fi connection to access Freely’s array of services, including over 50 live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.