BBC Freesat launches today

HDTV service wil be available to 98% of homes

6 May 2008 9:51 GMT / By Katie Scott

Today will see the official unveiling of ITV and the Beeb's free-to-view satellite television and radio service.

Freesat will go up against Sky's HD service and will be available across the UK - in fact - in 98% of homes.

It will broadcast 80 digital TV and radio channels, which will rise to 200 by the end of 2008.

Users will have to make a one-off payment for a dish, set-top box and installation, but will not pay a monthly subscription.

The set-top boxes will be available shops including Argos and Comet.

It is part of a BBC and ITV bid to boost HD viewing and therefore help drive UK viewers to digital TV before the digital switchover deadline in 2012.

BBC director-general Mark Thompson explained a year ago: "The BBC's objective in launching Freesat is to support digital switchover by providing another way for licence payers to receive digital television channels and radio services, subscription free from the BBC and ITV".

We're going down to the London launch so watch this space for more details.