The television market in the UK is primarily dominated by Sky and Freeview, but a new competitor called Freely has emerged as a strong contender since its introduction in 2024. With over one million households already subscribed, Freely has been steadily gaining popularity due to its expanding features and content offerings.
Recently, Freely announced the launch of its Freely Spotlight Channels, providing additional entertainment options to viewers at no extra cost. These channels can be accessed via a standard Wi-Fi connection and will be available on channels 31, as well as channels 90 to 99, for both Freely users and CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices.
V, the company behind the VIDAA OS smart TV platform utilized in Hisense televisions, has been revealed as the launch partner for Freely Spotlight Channels. This collaboration will introduce a curated selection of channels from V’s lineup to the Freely TV Guide, enhancing the overall viewing experience for users.
The addition of Freely Spotlight Channels alongside established UK broadcasters in the TV guide aims to offer greater visibility and credibility to selected channels within the regulated TV landscape of the UK. While specific content details for the new channels have not been disclosed yet, more information is anticipated closer to the launch date.
Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, Deep Halder, expressed the company’s commitment to providing long-term value to users and partners through the Freely platform. By enabling CTV OS partners to participate in specific sections of the TV guide, Freely aims to create new opportunities while ensuring that free, reliable TV content remains easily accessible in the streaming era.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is managed by the same team responsible for Freeview and Freesat but offers a unique feature of delivering all content through a broadband connection, eliminating the need for traditional aerials or satellite dishes. Users can access Freely with a compatible TV or set-top box and a stable Wi-Fi connection, enjoying over 50 live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live TV.