Freesat passes two million homes milestone

UK free-to-view satellite service Freesat is now in over two million homes after recording a 90% increase in TVs and set-top boxes sold last year.

Freesat added 58,000 new homes added over the course of the financial year, taking the total number of Freesat homes to over two million.

In the year to March, Freesat recorded 904,000 devices sold – an increase of 90% year on year – which it said was boosted by the continuing popularity of smart and UHD televisions.

The company said that the Freesat app has been downloaded over 800,000 times since it was first launched in 2014. The app, which can can be used as a remote control, to set recordings remotely, or to plan viewing through the TV Guide, was adapted for Android users in March.

The last year as seen a number of new services join the Freesat on-demand platform, including STV Player and Wuaki. A number of new linear channels, Blaze, True Crime, Talking Pictures and 4Music, also joined the platform.

“We’re delighted with the success of 2016 which saw us surpass a milestone figure of two million Freesat homes. Our increase in customer numbers is testament to the great service we offer: a viable alternative to expensive, pay TV services which offers customers a huge range of flexible and diverse content,” said Alistair Thom, Freesat’s managing director.

“Freesat aims to provide an array of brilliant free content and the latest TV services to our viewers. As more and more channel partners see the value in subscription free TV, Freesat will continue to expand its content offering to bring customers a huge choice of programming, both free and pay. The user experience will also evolve as Freesat focuses on making it easier for customers to find the programmes they want to watch.”