Find the answers to any further questions you may have about Freesat from Sky here. Simply click on the question for your answer. If you have any other questions please call us on 08442 410 595.
Questions
Equipment
Costs
FREESAT from Sky availability
Contacting Sky
Upgrading
The digital switchover
Accessibility
Equipment
Q: Apart from a TV, what other equipment do I need?
A: An engineer from Sky will provide you with all the equipment you’ll need on the date of installation: a standard Sky box, a mini-dish, a remote control and a Freesat from Sky viewing card - the same equipment as our Sky TV subscribers. Standard installation of your equipment is also included.
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Q: Is the equipment mine to keep?
A: Yes, all the equipment is yours to keep.
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Q: I already have Sky digital satellite equipment - what else do I need?
A: All you need to gain access to the free channels available on the digital satellite platform is a Freesat from Sky viewing card, which costs just £19.57. If you’d like to access the interactive services available, you’ll also need a working phone line. To purchase a viewing card please phone Sky on 08448 244 400.
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Q: Can you get any high definition channels with Freesat from Sky?
A. No. To watch HD channels on Sky you need to get a Sky HD box. There are three HD channels - BBC HD, Channel 4 HD and Luxe TV HD - available without any subscriptions. To watch these HD channels you will need a Sky HD box and an HD-ready TV (a valid viewing card is required for Channel 4 HD).
A Sky HD subscription is also available, offering 15 more HD channels and a choice of on-demand high definition programmes. For more information call 08442 411 614 or visit sky.com/hd.
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Q: What happens if I move house?
A. A reinstall at a new address will be charged at £50. Please keep us informed of any change of address by phoning Sky on 08448 244 400 to ensure that we can help you get up and running correctly and means we’ll know how to contact you if your viewing card ever needs replacing.
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Costs
Q: Do I have to subscribe to Sky Digital to get Freesat from Sky?
A: No, you only have to pay a one-off fee of £146.81 and you will receive over 240 free-to-air digital satellite TV channels and all the equipment is yours to keep.
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FREESAT from Sky availability
Q: I can't get Freeview in my area - will I be able to get Freesat from Sky?
A: Sky’s incredible 98% coverage compared to Freeview’s 73% means almost everyone can receive Freesat from Sky.*
*If you live in a block of flats you may have to access Freesat from Sky via a communal satellite dish or an Integrated Reception System. Please check with your landlord, managing agent or owner of the property and call us for more information.
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Q: What's the difference between Freeview and Freesat from Sky?
A: With Freesat from Sky you receive the digital signal via a satellite dish to a set-top box, unlike Freeview, which you receive via an aeriel to a set top box or a TV with an in-built tuner. For you, this means better coverage (Freesat from Sky’s coverage is 98% compared to Freeview’s 73%). Find out more on our comparison page.
Not only this, but with Freesat from Sky you’ll also have access to over four times the number of channels available on Freeview.
You’ll also be able to upgrade to Sky TV at any time without the need for new digital satellite equipment or installation.
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Contacting Sky
Q: What do I do if I have problems with my equipment?
A: You can call Sky 24/7 with any technical queries on 08448 244 400.
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Upgrading
Q: Once I have Freesat from Sky is it easy to subscribe to Sky TV packages?
A: Yes, you can order an upgrade to Sky digital with just one phone call on 08442 410 971.
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The digital switchover
Q: Do I have to switch to digital TV?
The government has already begun switching off the analogue television signal in certain TV regions, and this will continue TV region by TV region between 2008 and 2012.
This means that anyone wanting to watch TV in the UK after their area’s date of switch-off must have digital TV.
The sooner you go digital with Sky, however, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of all the digital TV and radio channels available on our digital satellite platform.
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Q: Will I lose TV channels if I don’t switchover?
A: Yes, you will after your TV region switchover date, but buying Freesat from Sky will ensure you won’t lose those channels.
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Q: Will I have to get a new TV?
A: With rare exceptions all TVs, even black and white sets, can be converted to digital with a digital box.
If your TV was manufactured after 1996, it will have a SCART socket (the rectangular socket with holes for 21 pins). A SCART lead is the best way to connect your digital box to your TV set, but if you don't have a SCART socket, other methods are available - ask the retailer for details when you buy Freesat from Sky.
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Q: Will I need to retune my TV?
A: You won’t have to retune your TV – our engineer will do this for you. It’s all part of our service.
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Accessibility
Q: Are Sky programmes and account information available in other formats?
A: Freesat from Sky customers can enjoy Sky programmes with Audio Description, Subtitles and Sign Language when available. Sky subscribers also have access to our dedicated Accessible Customer Service Team who can offer alternative expert advice on 08442 410 333.
Our Accessibility website, www.sky.com/thebiggerpicture/accessibility provides information on all products and services. We also provide a dedicated email address for people who prefer to communicate electronically.
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