Freeview Australia DVB-I Trial – Freeview Australia has announced it will begin testing latest DVB-I technology locally, that will ensure Australians can continue to access and enjoy their free-to-air television now and into the future.
Starting early 2026, Freeview will test a new way to deliver the existing linear channel suites of ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, and Ten over the internet – meaning Australians can navigate their live free-to-air channels through Freeview in the same familiar way, whether they’re watching with or without an antenna, providing even more choice and access for viewers nationally.
With a wide variety of TV’s and technical capabilities in market, limited access to aerial connections in modern multi- dwelling unit blocks compounded with an increasing amount of content being consumed online, currently viewers need to jump between different apps and operating systems to find their favourite free and trusted channels.
This new frictionless approach brings all the free-to-air channels together in one familiar TV guide – just like Freeview works today but delivered over your internet connection.
“Our goal is simple: ensure every Australian can easily find and watch their favourite free TV channels, whether their TV has an antenna or not,”
– said Dean Dezius, General Manager of Freeview Australia.
“No more juggling apps or inputs. Everything in one place, for free.”
Viewers will still see the same trusted Freeview interface they know today – the familiar channel numbers, program guide, and easy navigation. The difference is it will work on internet-connected smart TVs without requiring an antenna connection.
The testing program will run at the Freeview Test Centre in Sydney with smart TVs and active support from TCL, Hisense, and Philips, working with technology partner Switch Media.
Broadcasters around the world are taking similar steps to ensure free television remains easy to find as viewing habits change. In the UK, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 launched their “Freely” service in 2024, bringing live channels together over the internet. Similar initiatives are underway across Europe and in New Zealand.
“This is about protecting what makes Australian television special – trusted, free content that’s easy for everyone to access,” added Dezius. “As technology evolves, we’re making sure free TV evolves with it.”
Hamish Turner, Chairman of the Freeview Board,
“The strength of Freeview has always been our ability to act collectively on behalf of Australian viewers. This testing program demonstrates that spirit of collaboration as we ensure free-to-air television remains accessible and prominent regardless of how Australians choose to watch. Freeview’s shareholders are united in the view that maintaining a broadcaster-led presence in the IP environment is strategically essential”.
Damian Cronan, Chief Digital Officer at ABC and Freeview board member,
“For the ABC, ensuring universal access to public broadcasting is fundamental to our charter. This technology Freeview will test provides a pathway to reach any Australian household with an internet-connected TV, regardless of antenna availability or geographic location. This validation program demonstrates the industry’s commitment to maintaining free, accessible television for all Australians as technology evolves”.
About Freeview Australia
Freeview Australia is the unified platform representing Australia’s leading free-to-air broadcasters: ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, and Ten. Since its establishment, Freeview has served as the trusted gateway for millions of Australians to discover and access high-quality, live and on-demand free content. Freeview provides the technology standards and viewer interfaces that enable consistent, branded free-to-air experiences across millions of Australian TVs. Freeview’s mission is to ensure all Australians can easily access free, live and on-demand content regardless of how technology evolves.
The Strategic Importance of DVB-I
DVB-I is an internationally recognised open standard that enables the delivery of broadcast television services over the internet using the same familiar channel numbering, electronic program guides, and viewing experience that Australians know from traditional digital terrestrial television (DTT). DVB-I provides a consistent, broadcaster-led framework for accessing an aggregated free-to-air channels service across IP-enabled devices. This ensures that free television services remain prominent, trusted, and easy to access.
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Freeview Australia DVB-I Trial
