A new competitor has emerged in the UK TV market, challenging the dominance of Sky and Freeview. Freely, established in 2024, has quickly gained popularity with over one million households switching to its platform. Offering more than 50 live channels without the need for traditional aerial or dish installations, Freely has now introduced its Freely Spotlight Channels to enhance entertainment options for viewers at no extra cost.
The Spotlight Channels will be accessible through a standard Wi-Fi connection and will be located on channel 31 and channels 90 to 99. V (formerly VIDAA), the company behind the VIDAA OS used in Hisense televisions, is the launch partner for this new feature, bringing curated channel selections to the Freely TV Guide.
These new channels will be integrated alongside established UK broadcasters in the TV guide, providing increased visibility and credibility within the regulated TV landscape. While specific content details have not been disclosed yet, further information is expected to be revealed closer to the launch date.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering long-term value across the ecosystem. By allowing CTV OS partners to participate in specific sections of the TV guide, new opportunities can be created while ensuring free, reliable TV content remains easily accessible to UK audiences in the streaming era. V’s involvement as the launch partner for Spotlight Channels signifies a continuation of their partnership since Freely’s inception two years ago.
For those unfamiliar with Freely, it is operated by the same team responsible for Freeview and Freesat. The platform delivers content solely through a broadband connection, eliminating the need for traditional TV equipment like aerials or satellite dishes. Users require a compatible TV or set-top box and a stable Wi-Fi connection to access Freely, which offers a range of features such as live channels, on-demand content, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live television.