Freeview hits 11 million users

UK digital-terrestrial service Freeview is now used on the main TV set in more than 11 million homes, a record figure for the service, according to new company stats.

Freeview said that homes with Freeview on a main or second TV is also now almost 20 million, or 76% of UK television homes.

It added that HD uptake was also on the rise, with the total number of homes with Freeview HD on their main set reaching 3.53 million. Cumulative Freeview HD equipment sales standing at 7.6 million three years on from launch.

The news comes as the BBC launched its BBC2 HD channel, replacing the older BBC HD channel feed on TV platforms in the UK. Freeview said, subject to regulatory approval, a further 10 HD channels could launch on Freeview by the end of the year.

“The last 12 months have been a landmark year for Freeview. For the first time, the whole of the UK was able to receive Freeview and Freeview HD following the completion of digital switchover,” said Freeview MD Ilse Howling.