For those who live for life on the open road or water, entertainment should be simple. If you’ve been wrestling with aerials, signal finders, patchy signals, and complicated setups to watch TV in your caravan, motorhomes, or boat, there’s a brilliant new solution. The latest Avtex televisions come with Freely, the UK’s newest way to watch free TV, built right in.
This guide answers all your questions about Freely and explains why an Avtex TV with this technology is the ultimate upgrade for mobile living.
So what is Freely TV?
Freely is the next generation of free TV in the UK. Launched in 2024 and backed by the country's major broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5), it’s designed for the streaming age. Unlike traditional services that need an aerial, Freely delivers live TV, on-demand shows, and catch-up services directly to your screen over a Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection. It seamlessly blends content from all the major free broadcasters into one simple, unified guide on your Avtex TV.
Your Top Freely Questions, Answered
Do you have to pay for Freely TV?
No, the Freely service itself is completely free. There are no subscriptions, contracts, or hidden fees to use the platform. You simply need a compatible TV, like an Avtex, and an internet connection.
Do you need a TV Licence for Freely?
Yes, you do. A TV Licence is a legal requirement in the UK if you watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, service, or streaming platform, or use BBC iPlayer. This rule applies to Freely just as it does to Freeview, Sky, or live streaming on other apps. You need a licence whether you're watching live TV on a main set or a portable TV in your vehicle. The current annual fee for a colour TV Licence is £174.50.
What is the point of Freely TV?
Freely was created to make free TV simple and modern. Its main advantages are:
- No Aerial Needed: Watch live TV purely over the internet, freeing you from the hassle of signal hunting.
- All-in-One Guide: Browse live channels and on-demand shows from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 in one place, without switching between different apps.
- Smart Features: Pause live TV for up to 15 minutes and restart programmes from the beginning.
- Future-Proof: It's the broadcasters' vision for the long-term future of free TV in the UK.
What is the difference between Freeview and Freely?
While both offer free TV, their core technology differs. This table highlights the key distinctions:
| Feature | Freeview | Freely |
|---|---|---|
| How it's Delivered | Via a traditional TV aerial (digital terrestrial signal). | Via your broadband internet connection (streaming). |
| Core Requirement | A working TV aerial pointed at a transmitter. | A stable Wi-Fi or internet connection (minimum 10Mbps recommended). |
| Setup for Mobile Use | Requires aligning a satellite dish or aerial at each new location. | Simply connect your Avtex TV to a Wi-Fi hotspot or mobile router. |
| Recording Capability | Yes, with a compatible Freeview Play recorder (e.g., for a home setup). | Currently, Freely does not support recording live TV. |
| Best For Mobile Life? | Can be unreliable and fussy when you're always on the move. | Excellent. Offers reliable, aerial-free viewing wherever you have data. |
How to get free TV channels without cable or an aerial?
Freely is the perfect answer to this. With an Avtex TV that has Freely built-in, you can access popular free channels without any cable subscription, satellite dish, or aerial. All you need is your TV and an internet source, such as:
- Your smartphone's personal hotspot.
- A dedicated 4G/5G mobile router.
- A campsite or marina Wi-Fi network (a Wi-Fi booster can improve the signal).
Why an Avtex TV with Freely is Ideal for Caravans & Boats
Choosing an Avtex TV with integrated Freely brings all these benefits directly to your mobile home:
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Set up camp, connect to the internet, and press play. No more wrestling with aerials in the wind or rain.
- Guaranteed Compatibility: Freely is built directly into the TV, ensuring a smooth, reliable experience with dedicated remote control buttons.
- All-Entertainment Hub: Access everything in one place—live news, sports, soaps, and binge-worthy box sets—making rainy days or cozy evenings effortless.
Ready to transform your travels? Explore the range of Avtex televisions with Freely built-in at Towsure. Enjoy the freedom of hassle-free, high-quality entertainment wherever your adventures take you.
