Freesat, the subscription-free digital satellite platform launched in May 2008. Since then, with very limited marketing spend, it has sold well with the result that it has now passed the 600,000 sales mark. And Freesat says that sales increased by 50% in the second quarter of 2009.
This makes Freesat the UK’s fourth biggest digital TV platform after Freeview, Sky, and Virgin Media. Freesat’s sales compare to BT Vision which has reached just over 440,000 pay-TV subscribers in the last three years.
Freesat now a relatively strong and growing proposition, offering 140 channels and services, as well as 70 hours of peaktime high-definition programming on BBCHD. Freesat is heavily pushing its high definition TV (HDTV) credentials which is appealing, however being free, it lacks the “hero” channels that many households view as essential, like Sky One, Discovery, FX and Paramount Comedy.
Freesat managing director Emma Scott said: “To achieve this level of sales and viewing in such a short space of time is a fantastic achievement and testament to the ever-growing appeal of Freesat, both to consumers and broadcasters.
“Great innovations such as high-definition TV, Freesat+, and a wide range of programming have previously only been available by paying a subscription and are now proving incredibly popular with viewers. Freesat homes consistently rate the service highly, with over 90% saying they would recommend to a friend.
“We’ve had a brilliant summer and are confident that we’ll continue to report outstanding growth, especially in the run up to the World Cup as we attract viewers that want to watch in high definition but without having to pay a subscription, no matter where they live in the UK.”
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