Freesat sales double in last quarter of 2008

Freesat has announced that, by the end of 2008, they had achieved over 200,000 sales since the service’s launch in May 2008.
Having reported sales of 100,000 in September 2008, total sales of the service doubled in the final quarter of 2008, according to Freesat.
Freesat attribute these high sales to consumers preferring to take up their subscription-free offer to avoid monthly TV bills.
Emma Scott, MD of Freesat commented; “We saw consumers increasingly drawn to Freesat at the end of last 2008 and into this year. The quality and choice of channels and services available and the added benefits offered by Freesat+ have really struck a chord.”

According to Freesat their offer of subscription-free TV with HD programming from the BBC and ITV has been a key factor in the strong sales increase of HD set top boxes, with 61% of Freesat’s ‘customer panel’ specifying HD as their primary reason for purchasing.

In the latter half of 2008, Freesat viewers were offered HD programming such as the UEFA Champions League, England football internationals and FA Cup matches on ITV HD—which is exclusive to Freesat. The BBC HD channel offered Strictly Come Dancing, Heroes, The Royle Family and Wallace & Gromit.
Further HD programming is due on Freesat in early 2009, including Lark Rise to Candleford, Hustle, Anne Frank and the Rugby 6 Nations on the BBC HD channel and the FA Cup and Champions League will be gathering pace on ITV HD.Emma Scott continues: “Freesat is able to offer incredible HD with no subscription. We’re thrilled that both the BBC and ITV are investing more in HD programming in 2009.”
“As we approach Freesat’s first anniversary in May 2009, we’re in an extremely strong position to build on our early successes. Key goals in 2009 include increasing our product range and distribution by the quality and choice of channels and services available, and the anticipated launch of IPTV services, like BBC iPlayer onto Freesat later this year.”