A new streamed TV service offering the UK’s main free to air channels over broadband is set to launch next year.
Dubbed Freely, the new service will offer the channels through a traditional EPG experience and is being developed by Everyone TV, the company responsible for running free TV in the UK.
Everyone TV is owned by the UK’s public service broadcasters (PSBs) – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – which say the new service will guide viewers into the new world of IP TV in the same way that Freeview helped audiences move into the era of digital TV.
Set to launch next year, Freely is expected to require the purchase of a new compatible TV.
Everyone TV CEO, Jonathan Thompson, said: “This new development is a reflection of the fact that a growing number of UK viewers are watching content online, but still want easy access to the shared experience of live TV.”
“Our aim is to ensure that all viewers have access to a free, aggregated live TV experience that champions British content and is delivered in a way that suits audience needs and preferences. Every one of us should be able to share in the best of British ideas and creativity on TV.”