Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Tim FitzGerald
- TV Broadcasters are pushing towards an online-only (IPTV) future
- Satellites used to carry Sky and Freesat service reach end of life at the end of the decade (by 2030)
- Sky and Freesat gear up to migrate viewers to IPTV platforms
Satellites have a limited lifespan
- Three satellites currently provide TV and radio services available on Sky and Freesat in the UK and Ireland. They are Astra 2E, 2F and 2G
- The satellites were built with a lifespan of 15 years of service and are operated by Luxembourg-based SES
- Astra 2E, 2F and 2G are the second generation of satellites to supply digital satellite TV services to audiences here
- Astra 2E, 2F and 2G were launched between 2012 and 2014 and they are due to go out of service by 2029
Could Sky really migrate all of its subscribers away from satellite in just five years?
It’s been done before. Sky previously moved viewers from its analogue to digital satellite service in just a three year period between 1998 and 2001. That required new equipment and new dishes for each of its subscribers.
Sky Q users can expect their TV service to continue in its current form for a few more years. However, Sky is introducing new features to its latest receivers only, although Sky Q remains well supported for existing customers. Already, a lot of Sky Q’s extra functionality relies on an internet connection.
Meanwhile, Sky has launched the Sky Stream puck which will connect to a household’s existing internet connection. It can be used in conjunction with any Internet Service Provider. Viewers also have the option of getting a Sky Glass TV, with Sky’s internet based TV service built in.
Could Freesat really migrate all of its users before satellite TV switch-off?
Later this year, Freely will begin to replace Freesat. All new receivers will be a hybrid that can receive traditional broadcast services and IP-delivered online services. The receiver can be programmed to automatically default to an IP-stream of a channel in place of the satellite signal. Therefore, once satellite services expire, Freely receivers will seamlessly continue receiving services online.
Unlike Sky Glass and Sky Stream, Freely receivers won’t have the initial problem of viewers missing channels they could receive on satellite. Freely receivers with satellite capability will continue to receive satellite-only services as well as IP-streaming channels.
Existing Freesat receivers will gradually receive fewer and fewer services until the final services eventually leave satellite. But this won’t happen until at least the end of the decade.
https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/how-soon-is-satellite-tv-switch-off/
March 2024