Sky and Freeview have long been major players in the UK TV market, delivering content to millions of households. However, a new competitor, Freely, emerged in 2024 and has quickly gained traction, attracting over one million households.
Since its inception, Freely has continuously enhanced its features and expanded its TV guide, now offering access to more than 50 live channels without the need for traditional aerial or satellite dish setups.
In a recent development, Freely has introduced its Freely Spotlight Channels, providing additional entertainment options to users at no extra cost. These channels will be accessible solely through a standard Wi-Fi connection, appearing on channel 31 and channels 90 to 99, also accessible to CTV OS partners on Freely-enabled devices.
V, the company behind the VIDAA OS smart TV platform in Hisense TVs, has been revealed as the launch partner for Freely Spotlight Channels. This partnership will bring a curated selection of channels to the Freely TV Guide from V’s lineup.
The Freely Spotlight Channels will be integrated among established UK broadcasters in the TV guide, granting selected channels increased visibility and credibility within the UK’s regulated TV landscape.
While the specific content for the Spotlight Channels remains undisclosed, further details are anticipated closer to the launch date.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed the company’s commitment to building a platform that delivers long-term value across the ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for CTV OS partners within the TV guide while ensuring easy access to free, trusted TV content for UK audiences amidst the streaming era.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is managed by the team behind Freeview and Freesat. The distinguishing factor is that all content is delivered via broadband, eliminating the need for traditional TV antennas or complex installations.
To access Freely, households only require a compatible TV or set-top box along with a stable Wi-Fi connection. The platform currently offers over 50 live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the capability to pause live TV.