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We're moving to a different satellite in 2025

The satellite currently carrying New Zealand free-to-air TV broadcasts will retire in May 2025, so Freeview's satellite TV service needs to transition to a different one.

Transmission provider Kordia is working with Optus to provide a replacement satellite solution with minimal disruption to viewing. We'll be able to share more details on that replacement satellite in early 2025.

These changes won't affect Freeview homes tuned in through UHF or the Freeview Streaming TV app, and there's likely no need to adjust your satellite dish if it's used to access Freeview only.

However, some details are still to be confirmed as preparations remain underway, and depending on those, a small number of viewers may need to rescan or change their TV setup.

We'll keep this page updated with the latest information, or you can sign up to receive email updates.

What should I do?

Before you do, check your box and satellite dish setup, see details below. This will help you stay informed about what's most relevant to you and your setup.

When details are finalised, we'll be in touch to let you know if you need to do anything.

Check your box.

Check any satellite receiver or recorder you're using, including ones at the bach.

Go to channel 20 on your satellite box and see if you can watch Al Jazeera English.

If not, select 'No Al Jazeera' when you sign up for updates.

Got both Sky and Freeview through a single dish?

If you're using a single satellite dish to access both Freeview as well as Sky, select 'I have both Freeview and Sky' when you sign up for updates.

We'll share advice on what you may need to do, if anything at all.

Sign up for updates.

It's easy as.

We'll keep you informed of changes as part of this satellite transition and what you may need to do to keep watching your favourite channels.

Keep me updated

Why is this satellite transition taking place?

The satellite that currently transmits free-to-air TV broadcasts is retiring in 2025, so we need to transition to a different satellite in order to ensure Freeview continues to be available via satellite.

What do I need to do?

If you tune into Freeview through a satellite dish:

Check to see if you can get Al Jazeera on channel 20
Check if you're getting Sky and Freeview from a single satellite dish
Then sign up to receive updates. When key details are finalised, we'll let you know if you need to do anything.

Note: you won't need to adjust your satellite dish if it's used solely to access Freeview.

If you get Freeview through a UHF aerial or our Freeview Streaming TV app: you won't need to do anything at all.

Do I need to repoint or adjust my satellite dish?

If you're using your satellite dish just for Freeview, you most likely wouldn't need to adjust it to keep watching Live TV after the satellite transition.

Am I tuned in through satellite?

This satellite change is only relevant to you if you're tuned into Freeview through a satellite dish.

It's not always easy to tell how you might be tuning in. Here's a super easy way: check your channels!

If you’re tuned in through a satellite dish, you should have George FM on channel 70.
If you’re tuned in through a UHF aerial, you should have CH200 on channel 200.
And if you stream using the Freeview Streaming TV App, you would have Juice TV on channel 38.

What if I get both Freeview and Sky through the same dish?

Depending on the final form of the satellite solution (to be confirmed in early 2025), you may need to make some changes to your setup. As we get more details, we'll share advice on what you may need to do to keep watching Freeview, if anything at all.

The best thing to do is to sign up for updates and select 'I have both Freeview and Sky' so we can keep you informed.

Why do I need to sign up for updates?

We're subscription-free, which means you don't need an account to watch Freeview. That makes it super easy to enjoy your favourite channels and shows. But it also means we don't have any contact details for you and can't reach out to keep you informed about this satellite update.

So, if you're tuned in to Freeview through a satellite dish, the best thing to do is to signup for updates, so we can keep you in the loop when we have full details about the final satellite solution.

Need to know more?

Let us know if you have questions we haven't covered yet and we'll do our best to hunt down an answer for you.

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