The UK's four public service broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - have officially launched their new joint-venture streaming service Freely.
The new platform allows users to stream live TV channels and access on-demand content through their broadband connection without the need for a TV aerial or satellite dish.
Freely includes all of the linear channels from the four broadcasters and their respective free on-demand/catch-up services, as well as content from third-party broadcasters including UKTV, S4C, STV, Discovery, Sky, GB News and the GREAT! Network.
"The launch of Freely is a historic moment for UK television," said Kieran Clifton, the BBC's director of distribution and business development.
"Collaboration between the UK PSBs is critical to connecting and protecting all audiences as we transition towards the streaming era – and delivering live TV over broadband for free is a ground-breaking innovation that will futureproof public service broadcasting."
ITV counterpart Martin Goswami added: "The success and impact of programmes like ITV's Mr Bates vs the Post Office shows the importance of UK PSBs and ITV is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for free TV in this country with Freely.
"Bringing live streamed channels and on demand content together in Freely gives viewers the opportunity to access the very best in British content as easily as possible, from live and recent programmes to a wealth of on-demand options."
Freely previously announced Hisense as its first smart TV partner and the company has now launched its Freely TVs through retailers such as Currys, Argos and AO, while Vestel plans to launch its own Freely TVs - powered by TiVo - in the coming weeks.
> See also - Freely: Full channels list, EPG numbers and local differences body check tags ::
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