Tens of millions of Freeview customers will all of a sudden discover they’ve fewer channels to look at from at this time. The vastly widespread subscription-free TV service is being hit by the modifications on account of a broadcast sign – named COM7 Multiplex – being closed right down to make method for the very newest 5G cellular expertise from EE. With much less bandwidth to make use of, Freeview has been pressured to make some dramatic modifications which embody a lot of TV channels being taken off air for good.
A complete of 10 providers will not be accessible from at this time together with BBC Information HD, FreeSports, Forces TV and QVC HD. The replace has additionally meant some providers are switching positions on the TV planner and others will not be accessible in as many areas as earlier than.
Talking to Categorical.co.uk, a Freeview spokesman mentioned: “Because the resolution by Ofcom to make extra airwaves accessible for cellular information, the Ofcom licence for some channels broadcasting on Freeview has expired. Because of this affected channels are making modifications to the way in which they’re broadcast shifting ahead.”
And the BBC added: “As a consequence of the closure of COM7, BBC Information on Freeview might be accessible solely in SD from the top of June 2022. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless watch it in HD on BBC iPlayer.”
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Listed below are all of the channels which can be closing and what’s altering
FREEVIEW CHANNELS CLOSING
• FreeSports – present channel 65
• CBS Justice – present channel 69
• More4+1 – present channel 86
• PBS America+1 – present channel 87
• Forces TV – present channel 96
• BBC Information HD – present channel 107
• QVC HD – present channel 111
• QVC Magnificence HD – present channel 112
• Quest HD – present channel 114
• Craft Additional – present channel 95
CHANNELS MOVING
That’s TV (UK) – WAS channel 91 – NOW Channel 65
CHANNELS CHANGING NAME
WAS 4 Music – NOW E4 Additional – Channel 31
WAS Horror – NOW Legend – Channel 41
Different modifications from at this time additionally imply some channels might be accessible in much less areas while others are getting elevated protection. For instance, from at this time Now 80’s will solely be accessible in Manchester while CBS Drama is rebranding to Actuality Xtra and lowering the variety of houses it broadcasts to.
Channels which can be growing their protection throughout the UK embody Collectively TV, BBC FOUR HD, CBeebies HD and Quest Crimson +1.
As a result of variety of modifications throughout its platform, Freeview is advising that every one customers retune their TVs and set-top containers to verify they’ve all the newest channels. You’ll be able to see learn how to retune your Freeview gear right here.
So why are these COM7 modifications occurring and who might be affected?
Final 12 months, UK community EE gained the public sale to make use of the COM7 frequency to assist enhance its new 5G information community.
5G is the way forward for cellular gadgets because it provides a lot quicker obtain speeds and a extra dependable sign which implies extra folks can hook up with it without delay.
Though that is nice information for cellular customers, this all signifies that, from at this time, Freeview’s COM7 multiplex will shut. Because of this, there might be much less broadcast capability accessible and a lot of channels carried on COM7 must both shut or be reallocated to different multiplexes.
www.categorical.co.uk
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