What is The New Freely Streaming Service?
Yesterday, you may have seen some reports about a new free streaming service launching in the UK in 2024 called “Freely“. For those of you a little confused, we thought it might be a good idea to explain what it is, what it isn’t, and what it will provide.
What is “Freely”?
Launching in 2024, “Freely” will, for the first time, allow viewers in the UK to browse and watch live TV channels from the UK’s public service broadcasters and other free-to-air channels (e.g. BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5) via the internet all in one place. Alongside the live channels, it will also include on-demand content for free streamed straight to their smart TV via the internet.
The service will “replicate the terrestrial TV experience” (i.e. what you may currently get via a TV aerial), and will provide millions of broadband-only homes with easy access to a single consistent experience for live free TV over the internet.
Viewers will be able to seamlessly browse channels through a modern and intuitive programme guide, and use innovative functionality designed to make it easier to find and explore new shows directly from live TV.
Who is behind “Freely”?
Freely is being developed by Everyone TV, the organisation which runs free TV in the UK and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and who are also the people behind Freeview and Freesat. “Freely” will actually build on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, which is currently used in 16m homes.
Will “Freely” replace Freeview, iPlayer, ITVX etc?..
Regarding Freeview, the answer to that seems to be no… at least not initially. From what Everyone TV are saying, it looks like “Freely” will run alongside Freeview. However, it is possible, in time, that the services will get merged into one, as “Freely” is effectively Freeview with added live channels.
As an internet-based service, one major advantage “Freely” has over Freeview is that it is not constricted by the bandwidth limitations of traditional broadcasting. That means you are likely to get a lot more shows and channels offered in HD and 4K.
As for BBC iPlayer, ITVX and the other broadcasters’ own streaming platforms, they are staying as they are. It’s extremely unlikely “Freely” will replace those services. What is more likely is that it’ll work alongside and integrate with them. So, for example, if you wanted to scroll back through the “Freely” programme guide and watch a show which has already started or recently aired on BBC One, it would likely then boot up iPlayer to give you that “catch-up” show.
How will you be able to watch “Freely” and when?
“Freely” will launch in 2024, but we don’t know an exact date yet. It will come as standard on new smart TVs sold in the UK. Everyone TV has not yet given any further details, however, it also seems likely it will added via an app to existing smart TVs and mobile devices as well.
“We are delighted to be working with the public service broadcasters on the next phase of free TV’s evolution. 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,” said Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone 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.”
Freely will launch in the UK in 2024.
