There is a notable rise of Freely as a strong competitor to Sky and Freeview in the UK television market. Launched in 2024, Freely has quickly garnered over one million households opting for its services, offering more than 50 live channels without the need for traditional aerial or dish setups.
In a recent development, Freely has introduced its new feature called Freely Spotlight Channels, bringing additional entertainment options to homes without any extra charges. These channels will be accessible via a standard Wi-Fi connection, expanding the viewing choices for users.
The Spotlight Channels are set to appear on channel 31 and channels 90 to 99, available to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices. V (formerly VIDAA), the company powering the VIDAA OS smart TV platform in Hisense TVs, will be the launch partner, introducing a curated selection of channels to the Freely TV Guide.
The addition of Freely Spotlight Channels aims to enhance the visibility and credibility of selected channels within the regulated UK TV environment. While the specific content details are yet to be disclosed, more information is expected closer to the launch date.
Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, Deep Halder, emphasized the platform’s commitment to delivering long-term value and creating new opportunities for partners within the UK audience. V’s prominent role as the launch partner further solidifies its collaboration with Freely and highlights the new channels in the TV Guide.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is managed by the team behind Freeview and Freesat, offering content delivery through broadband, eliminating the need for traditional antennas or satellite dishes. Users only require a compatible TV or set-top box and a stable Wi-Fi connection to access over 50 live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the capability to pause live TV.