Freesat growth outpaces Sky, Virgin

UK free-to-air satellite platform Freesat added 29,000 new homes in the first quarter of 2013, capping a strong year of growth for the service. 

Freesat said that it added 150,000 homes in the last 12 months, more than both Sky and Virgin Media combined, and that its service is now in 1.7 million homes – 6% of the UK.

In 2012/2013 Freesat said 51% of its customers switched from pay-TV, the majority from Sky, according to its own customer research. This also indicated that just over 25% of homes are considering changing TV service provider in 2013.

“Everyone of us across the UK is continually reassessing how we spend our money, and with 79% of viewing across all platforms, including pay, going to free channels, and 52% going to the top five channels – having a monthly TV subscription just doesn’t make sense for most people,” said Freesat MD Emma Scott.

Freesat said it has sold 3.2 million boxes since it launched five years ago, with gross UK retail sales to date of £1.2 billion.