How a major upgrade is opening up free TV to more UK viewers

The streaming platform Freely has announced an important expansion in the UK, meaning that far more smart TVs will now be able to access free live channels and on-demand content via broadband rather than relying solely on aerial or satellite. This upgrade represents a major shift in how viewers can watch free TV at home.

Managed by Everyone TV (a consortium comprising BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5), Freely was designed to bring together live and on-demand TV in a single guide, accessible via internet connection. The recent rollout sees Freely integrated into a wider range of smart TVs and now moving into streaming-device territory.

One key piece of the expansion is the addition of at least 10 new channels, covering categories such as true crime, movies, business news and reality TV. These channels are set to arrive on the platform in 2026, further broadening the content available to UK households for no subscription. Furthermore, Freely is being embedded into more set-top plug-in devices, meaning even older or non-smart TVs could gain access via a compatible box.

For UK viewers, the benefits are clear. With Freely’s expansion, the “free TV” experience becomes less dependent on aerial signal strength or satellite dish installation—and more on simply connecting the TV to broadband. This is significant in homes where aerial reception is poor, or where users prefer the convenience of streaming. Also, the growing number of channels means a fuller TV-watching experience without paying for subscriptions.

To take advantage of this development, UK households should consider the following: first, check if their smart TV already supports Freely or can receive the new streaming device option soon. Smart TVs from a wide range of manufacturers already include Freely integration, and the new plug-in boxes will allow older sets to join too. Second, ensure a reliable broadband connection is in place since streaming replaces traditional broadcast methods. And third, review the new channel list and on-demand offerings to identify what additional value the expanded service brings to your household’s viewing habits.

This move also signals a broader transition in UK television broadcasting: the shift from traditional terrestrial or satellite to IP-based delivery (internet streaming). By making free channels easier to access via internet-connected devices, Freely is positioning itself as a successor to conventional free-to-air platforms. For many viewers this means less fuss with aerials or tuning and more flexibility in how, when and where they watch.

In the broader context, this expansion may influence how UK households budget for TV services. With more free channels and content accessible via Freely, some viewers might choose to reduce or cancel paid subscriptions to other streaming services or pay-TV packages. The increased choice and zero-subscription model may offer meaningful savings for viewers.

Overall, the expansion of Freely in the UK means that millions more TVs now can receive free, live-and-on-demand channels via internet streaming. For UK viewers seeking to watch live TV without a monthly fee, this upgrade marks a valuable moment — and one that reflects the evolving media landscape away from traditional broadcast methods and towards internet-based delivery.

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