This article contains everything you need to know about free-to-air satellite TV channels. This includes free-to-air (FTA) satellites, positions, polarity and all other parameters necessary to receive free-to-air channels. However, we shall clear the misgivings about what an FTA channels really is.We shall also tell you the kind of satellite and even locations where you can receive FTA satellite channels. Locations here refers to satellite footprints while beam is the signal intensity over an area. Nevertheless, we shall simplify it for easy understanding.
Furthermore, the size of satellite dish you use matters if you are interested in tracking free-to-air (FTA) channels. Thus, it is not all about knowing the frequencies, but location as well as beam index. All these play important roles in giving you access to free-to-air satellite TV channels.
Basically, you will learn in this post;
- What is Free-to-Air (FTA) satellite TV channels
- Understanding satellite TV frequencies or Transponders
- Satellite frequencies to receive FTA channels
- How to track/install a satellite dish for free-to-air (FTA) TV channels
- Detailed lists of free-to-air (FTA) channels. We also include their satellites and complete frequencies for installation and tracking purposes
- other important requirements needed to successfully install free-to-air (FTA) channels
Now, let us start by defining some terms and concepts for your easier understanding.
What is Free-to-Air (FTA) Satellite TV Channels?
As the name implies, “free-to-air” satellite TV channels refer to any channel one receives on his decoder without having to pay for any subscription. According to Wikipedia on free-to-air, it is any television or radio services broadcast in clear unencrypted forms, which allows any person with the right receiver equipment to view or listen to without paying for subscription. This is the case of a direct or conventional free-to-air (FTA) channel. However, an indirect FTA channel may be primarily broadcast by an unencrypted source, but delivered to end user by a secondary carrier. This secondary carrier may require some forms of subscription payments to broadcast to the final viewer. Nevertheless, it does not still change the status of the channel as a free-to-air satellite TV channel. Whether on MyTV, DStv etc, all free-to-air (FTA) satellite TV channels operate via same principle of technology. On transmission and reception, they are not encrypted.
To receive free-to-air TV signals, there are important requirements for proper installation and tracking. They include the type and size of satellite dish and LNB. Others are your location (footprint) and service coverage (beam). However, the coaxial and F-type connector as well as other installation accessories play major roles in the successful FTA satellite TV installations. However, all these may be useless if you do not know the appropriate satellite frequencies for free-to-air satellite TV channels. I shall explain further what satellite frequencies mean but you need to understand further what makes up a free-to-air channel.
Characteristics of Free-to-Air Satellite TV Channels
- You don’t require any subscription or payment to view, listen or enjoy access to it. However, you must have the right receiver equipment to access it.
- It must not be on “Test Transmission” status. Otherwise, it may not really be an FTA channel. This is so because channels on test transmissions become encrypted once the test transmission phase is over.
- some FTA channels come as live feeds. These live feeds may not always be available as they only transmit when their specific program is running on air.
Types of Free-to-Air Channels
FTA satellite TV channels can be broadly classified into two types, based on the type of satellite dish and LNB used to receive them. It is worthy of note that the size of satellite dish affects signals including free-to-air TV signals.
The Dish-type FTA Channels
There are two types of bands or parabola dishes used for tracking free-to-air channels. They are;
- the KU Band dish or Offset Dish
- the C Band or the Focus Dish
Interestingly, some FTA channels and packages consist of both the KU Band and the C Band. Some examples are the NSS7 and the ABS 3w and so on.
LNB Type FTA Channels
Today, there are many types of LNB brands, with each known for specific strengths. for instance, the StarGold LNB and the Strong LNB differ in some specific areas of tracking different satellites for free-to-air channels. In recent times, smart LNB technologies have been introduced for special satellite TV tracking and installations. When you are installing to track FTA channels, be sure to use the right LNB for optimal signal reception.
Installing and Tracking a Satellite Dish for Free-to-Air TV Channels
FTA satellite frequencies make you to receive free-to-air channels. Also, you simply wouldn’t be able to track any satellite TV channel without knowing the right frequencies. Nevertheless, here are tips on how to track any satellite TV channels of your choice. Of course, this includes FTA channels. I am assuming that you already have all the necessary tools for satellite Dish installation and tracking.
Dish Installation Procedure for Free-to-Air Satellite TV Channels
Do you still recall the basic procedure on how to unpack, couple and mount the satellite dish? Installing a satellite dish to receive FTA channels still follow the same starting procedure. As a reminder, you may still want to refresh your knowledge on how to set up a satellite dish.
Now that you have coupled the dish parts, next is to hang it on the projecting pivot (L-shape) hanging from the wall, roof or pipe. Thus, follow these procedure;
- As you hang the dish over the L-shaped iron support, let it rotate freely because you haven’t tracked the signal yet.
- Attach one end of the coaxial cable wire to the LNB mouth of the dish and connect the other end of wire to your tracking device (meter)
- At this point, you must have set your satellite tracking device with the proper frequencies of the satellite you wish to track. In this case, the free-to-air channels.
- call up the frequencies on your tracking device screen and begin to adjust the dish by turning in different directions of left and right as well as angle of elevation (Azimuth).
- At the point of highest signal interference, the meter signals with high pitch sound and signal bar lights green. This however, depends on the type of satellite tracking meter you deployed.
- Once on that position, you should be able to confirm what you got by watching these free channels on the mini TV screen on your satellite tracker.
- Satisfied, you may now lock the satellite dish into position by tightening the nuts and hinges until it becomes firm and strong.
Notable Free-to-Air (FTA) Satellite TV Channels and their Frequencies, Other Parameters for Successful Tracking
I believe you re now prepared to install any form of satellite dish and for any kind of free-to-air satellite TV channel. It is now time to take you down the lane of notable free-to-air (FTA) satellite TV channels that would interest you. Interestingly, I have arranged them with all their satellite frequencies and other parameters needed for successful installation and tracking.
Intelsat 33E at 60.0ºE
Most interesting Nigerian local channels are available on this frequency as free-to-air. Notable among them is Trybe TV. Furthermore, Nigerian MUX is also now available as free-to-air (FTA) on Intelsat 33E at 60ºE.
List of Channels on Nigerian MUX
- televista
- trybe TV
- Sound City
- TVC
- Lagos TV
- MITV
- OnMax
- Silverbird
- Wazobia Max
- Spice TV
- Wazobia TV
- Lumen Christi (Catholic channel), etc
Frequency and Other Installation/Tracking Parameters for Nigerian MUX Free-to-Air (FTA) Channels
- Dish Size: 1.8 Meters C band dish
- LNB Type: C band LNB
- Frequency: 3973, 18315
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
MBC Free-to-Air (FTA) Channels on Badr 4/5/6/7 and Es’hail 2 at 26°E
- Dish Size: 90 cm or bigger, 1 Meter minimum
- Frequency:12284
- Symbol rate: 27500
- Polarity: Vertical (V)
- Position: 26° East
Apstar Satellite at 76.5E (C-Band)
Apstar 76.5ºE is home to a lot of sports channels including Pakistan Sports HD. Some popular sporting events such as the EPL, FA Cup, cricket, etc fully broadcast on this free-to-air satellite TV.
Tracking Frequency and Parameters for Apstar 2 at 76.5E
- LNBF Type: C Band LNB
- Dish Type: C band (Prime Focus dish)
- Dish Size: 2.4-meters (240 cm)
- Satellite orbital position: Apstar 2 at 76.5E
- frequency: 3780
- Polarization: Horizontal or Vertical (H/V)
- Symbol Rate: 30000
Apstar 76.5E Free-to-Air Satellite TV Channels
- Pakistan Sport HD
- Eurosports India
- 1 Sports, etc
Procedure for Tracking Apstar Satellite on 76.5E
- Input HBO frequency 3964, Horizontal (H), 19500 to your tracking meter
- Get a good signal strength on HBO
- Next, change the frequency to that of PK Sport HD That is 3780 (H)30000
- Fine-tune your dish until you are satisfied with your signal reception.
- Once you hit a good signal strength, then fasten your dish.
- The last thing is for you to blindscan your decoder in order to get all available channels.
ABS 3A Free-to-Air Satellite TV @ 3° West
- Satellite Dish Band: KU Band
- Frequency: 11052 or 11088 or 11168
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol rate: 30000.
- Dish Size: 90cm
Mega Choice FTA Satellite at 29/30° East
- Dish Size and Type: 1 meter KU Band
- Transponder Frequency: 11294
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate: 45000
Eutelsat 7A/7B Free-to-Air Satellite on 7°East
- Dish Size: 60 cm to 1 Meter
Available Frequencies and parameters…
- 10721, Horizontal (H), 30000
- 10762, Horizontal (H), 30000
- 10804, Horizontal (H), 30000
- 10845, Horizontal (H), 30000
Winners Chapel FTA Satellite Frequency and Symbol Rates
This is the famous Winners’ Chapel free-to-Air satellite TV. Indeed, it is free and you could also watch and follow your annual Shiloh program on it free.
Tracking Details for Free Winners Chapel TV are;
Frequency Option 1:
SES4 Satellite @ 22W (CanalSat position)
- Frequency: 3713
- Symbol rate: 3254
- Polarity: R which is same as vertical (V)
- Dish size: 1.8meters or bigger.
Frequency Option 2:
SES5 Satellite @ 5E (startimes position)
- Frequency: 11919
- Symbol rate: 27500
- Polarity: Horizontal (H)
- Dish size: 60cm or bigger
Frequency Option 3:
Eutelsat 7B Satellite at 7.0°E
- Frequency: 10887
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate: 30000
- Dish Size: 90cm dish (recommended)
NigComSat 1R at 42.5°E
Installation and Tracking Frequencies for NigComSat
- Frequency: 12518
- Symbol rate: 29500
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Positioning (Azimuth): 42° East AIT
- Dish size: 90 cm
- Satellite Band: KU Band
Notable Channels on NigComSat
- Core TV
- Galaxy TV
- MBC packages (MBC 1, MBC 2, MBC 3, MBC Action, MBC Bollywood, MBC Max) etc.
Eutelsat Satellite at 36° East (DStv position)
- Satellite Band: KU Band
- Frequency: 12245
- Polarization: Horizontal (H)
- Size of Dish: 60 cm to 90cm
- Symbol Rate: 27500 then fine-tune to get others
Free-To-Air Channels on Eutelsat 36.0ºE (DStv Position)
- love world
- Emmanuel TV
- CCTV
- CCTVF (Fashion)
- CCTVD (Documentary)
- CCTVN (News)
Azerspace 2 / Intelsat 12 / 902 at 45.0ºEast
Two popular satellite TV services – the Yayi TV and TStv Africa are available as free-to-air on Azerspace 2, interlsat 38 at 45ºE
TStv Free-to-Air Satellite TV Frequency and Settings Requirement
- Satellite Name: Azerspace 2, Interlsat 38 at 45ºE
- Frequencies: 11476 or 11556
- Symbol rate: 30000
- Polarization: Vertical (V)
- Dish size: 90cm recommended in sub-Sahara Africa.
Yayi Satellite TV Free-to-air Channels on Azerspace
Yayi TV is most desirable for their full-time coverage on football leagues and other sports. Furthermore, leagues such as the English Premier League (EPL) as well as the ULC etc fully features on this platform. However, they are all free of charge at least for now.
Satellite Parameters for Yayi Free-to-Air TV
- Satellite Name: Azerspace 2 / InterlSat 38
- Azimuth (Position): 45.0ºE
- Dish size: 90cm or larger
Frequency Option 1
- Frequency: 11474
- Polarity: Vertical (V)
- Symbol rate: 30000
Frequency Option 2
- Frequency: 12692
- Polarity: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate: 6500
Frequency Option 3
- Frequency: 12511
- Polarity: Horizontal (H)
- Symbol Rate: 12500
Frequency Option 4
- Frequency: 12661
- Polarity: Vertical (V)
- Symbol Rate: 12500
Therefore, there is need to re-scan your decoder after successfully tracking on these free-to-air satellite frequencies. This is in order to receive the Yayi TV which also broadcasts live football and other sports events
List of Channels on Yayi TV
- YAYI TV1&2
- DTV
- AFA
- 1990
- GOF
- CFTV
- HDNET TEST
- MAAH TV
… More on Free-to-Air Satellite TV Channels coming soonest.
Dear Ben, you can buy Transponders easily from the open market around you. Most preferable place you could get it are shops that deal on cable, satellite TV decoders and accessories.
II need a transponder for area tv