Last Modified: 27 Apr 2007
Source: PA News
The BBC Trust has approved the launch of a free-to-air satellite service with ITV.
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The decision, which will provide digital TV to viewers who have been unable to access Freeview, has been welcomed by campaigners for lower income and elderly households.
Currently Freeview, which is broadcast through terrestrial transmitters and aerials, is unavailable to 25% of TV viewers. Like Freeview, Freesat will require a one-off payment for the reception equipment. It would also provide an alternative to BSkyB and cable as a way of receiving digital channels.
The BBC Trust made the decision following research showing 93% of respondents said the BBC should take action to improve access to its digital services in the lead up to digital switchover in 2012.
The high definition-enabled service is expected to launch in spring next year.
BBC director-general Mark Thompson said: "The BBC's objective in launching Freesat is to support digital switchover by providing another way for licence payers to receive digital television channels and radio services, subscription free from the BBC and ITV.
"Its primary purpose is to drive digital take-up in analogue homes, particularly in those areas which are out of digital terrestrial coverage."
ITV executive chairman Michael Grade said: "Freesat will build on the success of Freeview by offering viewers a simple and cost effective way of upgrading to digital TV.
"By filling in the current gaps in Freeview coverage, Freesat will ensure that a free-to-air, no strings attached option for accessing digital TV is available to the whole of the UK ahead of digital switchover.
"By offering HD capability we will future proof Freesat if, as expected, high definition television continues to capture the imagination of UK viewers."
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Approval has been given to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) by the BBC Trust to go ahead with a proposal that would allow satellite TV to be "subscription free."

''Freesat'' will have no monthly subscription fee, and according to the BBC, the new system would "require a one-off payment for reception equipment."

"Envisaged as a joint venture, Freesat will ensure the public remain in control of how they access the BBC's television channels and radio networks for which they have already paid. It is guaranteed to remain subscription free, ensuring that the benefits of digital television do not equal 'pay television'," said Chitra Bharucha, the acting Chairman of the BBC Trust.

The service will be offered to anyone who is unable to watch digital TV from the current provider, ''Freeview,'' which is not available to at least 25% of people in the United Kingdom who watch or have a TV.

"Its Freesat's primary purpose is to drive digital take-up in analogue homes, particularly in those areas which are out of digital terrestrial coverage," said Mark Thompson, the Director-General of the BBC.

''Freesat'' will also be jointly operated by ITV. It is expected to launch in 2008 and is scheduled to be completed in 2012. The service will be installed "region by region," according to the BBC.