Search
About Freeview availability
Will I need a new aerial?
If you currently experience good picture quality through your existing aerial then you should be able to receive Freeview providing you are in a coverage area. To check if you are in coverage, please use the coverage checker below.
If your existing picture quality is poor, it could be that you have an older aerial that has taken a beating through weather and might need some attention.
In some rare cases your aerial will need to be upgraded to receive all the channels available to you.
If you need a new rooftop aerial, to repair an existing aerial or better quality aerial cable, then you'll need to pay an aerial installer to carry out the work. Some installers offer a survey from around £30 and might even refund the charge from the cost of installing a new aerial which can cost around £80.
We suggest you get in touch with the following organisations who can give you details of one or more members who operate in your area and guarantee their work:
A local installer will understand the circumstances and local geography in your area and suggest the best option available to you.
What is a digital aerial?
There is no such thing as a digital aerial. All aerials receive digital and analogue signals. Only a small number of households will experience problems and most existing aerials will work with Freeview.
What is a wideband aerial and why might I need one?
Wideband aerials receive a wider range of frequencies. Some areas need to broadcast the digital signals over a different range of frequencies from the current analogue signals. So even if your existing aerial can get a signal, it might not be able to see the full range of digital channels.
Wideband aerials are capable of coping with any slight digital transmission changes. Unfortunately, an analogue aerial might not be able to cope with the changes.
Can an upgrade be done without a survey?
We do recommend that you have your aerial surveyed to ensure an upgrade is required. In most cases you will not need to change your aerial to get Freeview but check your coverage first.