Freely TV: The Future of Free-to-Air Television in the United Kingdom

Introduction: A New Era for Free Television

Freely is a British free-to-air IPTV service launched in 2024 by Everyone TV, a joint venture between the country’s public broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5. This groundbreaking platform represents a significant shift in how UK households access television, offering live TV and on demand content on your smart TV for free using just a wi-fi connection. As streaming services continue to dominate the entertainment landscape, Freely emerges as a crucial initiative to secure the future of free television in an increasingly digital age.

How Freely TV Works

Unlike traditional television services, Freely streams television over a broadband internet connection and therefore does not require a television aerial, although an aerial can be additionally used to create a hybrid platform and allow the viewing of DTT channels not yet available on Freely. The service offers the ability to watch live television and on demand media from the main broadcasters while seamlessly switching between them in a unified electronic programme guide (EPG). This integrated approach eliminates the need to navigate between separate apps, streamlining the viewing experience for users.

Expanding Channel Line-Up and Recent Developments

Freely continues to grow its content offerings significantly. Everyone TV has struck new carriage deals with Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and CNN, adding a further seven streamed channels to free IP platform Freely. With the latest deals, Freely will offer more than 70 live streamed channels over Wi-Fi and over 75,000 hours of on demand content. The platform launched with core public service broadcasters and has since expanded to include diverse channels across entertainment, news, and specialist content.

Accessibility and Device Availability

Freely has launched integrated on new TV sets from Hisense, Bush, Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, Metz and TCL. In a significant development for existing television owners, Everyone TV announced that a Freely streaming device will launch that will plug into existing TVs, after working together with French company Netgem. The resulting first Freely box called Netgem Pleio launched in November 2025 and does not feature an aerial port. This expansion makes the service accessible to households without needing to purchase a new television.

The Future of Free Television

Everyone TV says the platform is on track for further expansion in 2026 and has been independently forecast to become the largest TV device platform in the UK within five years. As Freely aims to tackle this shift head on and protect free TV for the future, it positions itself as an essential platform for UK viewers who want quality content without subscription fees. For households seeking accessible, comprehensive television without the burden of multiple subscriptions, Freely TV represents a significant step forward in broadcasting technology and viewer choice.