Free to Air Satellite

What is FTA satellite?

FTA satellite dishes receive channels that are broadcast by television stations, networks, etc., through the use of commercial satellites. FTA satellite programming is not encrypted, but is usually encoded with MPEG-2. Your FTA dish and fta receiver pick up channels that are broadcast in other cities and states, even other countries. These can be broadcast in either digital or analog, and are received free, legally with no subscription fees.

FTA satellite content was originally transmitted on C Band, but most Free to Air satellite programming has now migrated to Ku Band. This enables Free To Air programming to be received using small satellite dishes.

Why is FTA for free?

So why would a company choose to broadcast using a signal that FTA satellite dishes can receive for free? Broadcasters have been switching to digital satellite signals because they can broadcast multiple channels using the same bandwidth as a signal analog broadcast. In short, they save money by using the digital signal to broadcast and continue to make money by selling advertising space. This is no different than how they make money through cable broadcasts. Cable companies make money through subscription fees, broadcasters make money through advertising space. The most important difference... FTA satellite users don’t pay the cable company.

Why would you want FTA television?

When TV antennas are not enough, when cable and subscription dish bill climb too high, when digital quality is desired, free-to-air (or FTA) systems offer an attractive and cost effective solution.

People spend $25.00 to well over $100.00 a month on cable and dish subscriptions. Every extra feature comes at an additional monthly expense. Those who decide that the channels are not worth the money fight with TV antennas and settle for a few, often poor quality, channels. Why miss out on having digital quality channels? Why settle for a few local broadcasts? Why commit to subscription contracts that cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year in addition to initial set up costs? A FTA satellite system may be the answer you have been looking for.

Many people shy away from FTA satellite systems because they feel they lack the technical savvy to set up and enjoy the system. This is not the case. In fact, the latest generation of FTA receivers have made big strides in being very easy to use. It has also become easier to self-install with detailed instructions and diagrams to walk you through the fairly basic installation. There are multiple forums online and various subscription based support services available. And of course, we would love to assist you with all your questions and support needs through our support center.