Satellite TV beyond 2030

Is Satellite TV Being Switched Off?

We are frequently asked whether UK satellite television will be switched off in 2030. The simple answer is no.

There is no official announcement from SES, Freesat, Sky, the BBC or ITV that satellite television services from the Astra 2 satellites at 28.2° East will end in 2030.

While the current Astra 2 satellites will eventually reach the end of their operational lives, this does not mean satellite television will stop. Like previous generations of satellites, they are expected to be replaced with newer satellites to ensure the continued delivery of UK TV services.

In fact, in late 2025, SES and Arqiva signed a new multi-year agreement to continue broadcasting UK television services from the 28.2° East orbital position to more than 10 million homes across the UK and Ireland. This demonstrates the ongoing commitment to satellite television for many years to come.

Although internet streaming continues to grow in popularity, satellite TV remains an essential platform for millions of viewers, offering reliable reception, excellent picture quality and nationwide coverage without relying on broadband.

If there are ever any significant changes to satellite broadcasting in the future, broadcasters and platform operators would provide customers with several years’ notice, allowing plenty of time to prepare.

At Freesat.ie, we’ll continue to keep our customers informed of any official developments. Until then, UK satellite television remains a secure and reliable way to enjoy free-to-air channels throughout Ireland.

Official Source: https://www.ses.com/news/news-flash/newsflash-arqiva-and-ses-sign-multiyear-capacity-agreement

Note:

• SES is the company that owns and operates the satellites.
• Astra is the brand name of SES’s television satellite fleet.
• Astra 2 refers to the group of satellites located at 28.2° East, which broadcast UK television services such as Freesat, Sky, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.