The proposed service from the BBC and ITV also would be an advantage for users who live in areas where the Freeview signal is too weak.
Source:
Reg Hardware
I'm jealous.
I wonder why Australia does not do something like this.
Excellent.
Some people complain about the mandatory TV licence we have to pay in the UK but compared to the commercial sector's charges it is, IMO, a bargain (£135p.a.).
The full package (all sports & movies) of Sky satellite TV in the UK is £43 (£516p.a.) - and if you have their HD service it's £53 (£636p.a.).
All the commercial sector 'packages' are more expensive than the TV licence.
OK you have to have that TV licence in the UK but considering what you get for it I rate it as real value.
.....and having seen what a wholly commercial environment can lead to (US TV) I think we in the UK are well served by the BBC which has ensured a level of quality programming we would not otherwise have enjoyed.
A freesat service will ensure nationwide TV coverage when the analogue service is switched off in the coming 5yrs as well as also ensuring an affordable public HD service.
It's better than just handing everything over to a commercial sector which would undoubtedly head for 'lowest common denominator' profits and less concern for sustained quality.