FREE-TO-AIR SATELLITE TV CHANNELS, FREQUENCIES, INSTALLATION

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.

Table of Contents

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.

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

… More on Free-to-Air Satellite TV Channels coming soonest.

2 thoughts on “FREE-TO-AIR SATELLITE TV CHANNELS, FREQUENCIES, INSTALLATION”

DTMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES says:

December 26, 2021 at 5:14 am

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.

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slay King Ben says:

December 24, 2021 at 7:13 am

II need a transponder for area tv

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