People often ask whether IPTV can replace Sky, Virgin or an aerial. The honest answer is that it depends on what you watch and how reliable your broadband is.
At a glance
| Aerial (Freeview) | Satellite or cable | IPTV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it arrives | Aerial | Dish or cable | Broadband |
| Equipment | Aerial and TV or box | Dish or cable box | Any supported device |
| Internet needed | No | Not for live TV | Yes, always |
| Flexibility | Limited | Moderate | High |
Where IPTV is stronger
- Any room, any device. Your phone, tablet, stick or Smart TV can all be a screen.
- No dish or installation visit. Setup is an app.
- Easy to change. Switching device does not need an engineer.
Where the others are stronger
- They work without broadband. Aerial and satellite do not depend on your internet.
- Established licensing. Their content comes from rights holders through well-known agreements.
- Predictable reliability. A weak connection does not affect an aerial picture.
Things to check before switching
- Your broadband: see how much you need with our speed calculator.
- Your contracts: check any minimum term with your current provider before cancelling.
- Your provider: use our checklist and ask about licensing.
- Your devices: make sure each TV has something that runs a player. See devices.
Keep a backup
Many households keep an aerial connected for free channels as a fallback and use IPTV for choice. It costs nothing extra if the aerial is already there.