In short: A plain-English explanation of internet protocol television (IPTV), how it differs from aerial, satellite and cable TV, and what you need to use it.
The short version
Internet protocol television, usually shortened to IPTV, delivers television over an internet connection instead of through an aerial, satellite dish or cable. Content is sent as data packets, in the same way as a video call or an on-demand app.
How it differs from other TV
Aerial and satellite services broadcast a signal that many homes receive at once. IPTV is delivered over your broadband connection, so quality depends partly on your connection and your device.
- No aerial or dish is required for the delivery itself.
- A stable broadband connection matters more than with an aerial.
- You watch through a compatible app or device.
What you need
You need a compatible device, a reliable internet connection and an active subscription from a provider. Check that your device is supported before you subscribe.
Check the rights position
IPTV is a delivery method, not a licence. Whether a service is lawful depends on whether the provider has the rights to the content it supplies. Our guide to legal content access explains what to look for.