Changes to BBC Radio on satellite

BBC Radio stations on satellite are on the move, as they make way for changes to the BBC’s satellite television service.

Until early 2024, there will be two copies of the BBC Radio stations: one for HD compatible satellite receivers and one for older SD-only satellite boxes.

That’s because the BBC is switching its transponders over to DVB-S2, which is only supported by newer receivers, including Sky Q, Sky+HD and Freesat HD/4K boxes. It’s part of an HD switchover of its TV services, which will give access to all BBC TV channels in high definition.

The changes will occur automatically on most Sky and Freesat boxes. Importantly, BBC Radio stations will continue to be found in the same place on the channel list. But for listeners, particularly outside of the UK, who access BBC Radio via a non-Sky or Freesat box, a retune will be required. The move sees some stations leave a satellite frequency they’ve occupied over two decades.

To give users of older SD-only equipment some more time, all stations will also be simulcast as part of the BBC ‘Nightlight’ service. But in early 2024, the simulcast will end, ending the use of older satellite receivers to receive satellite TV and radio.

Meanwhile, Sky Q and the latest Freesat 4K boxes support the BBC Sounds app, allowing users to stream radio via their internet connection. That’s part of a longer-term drive by the BBC to seamlessly migrate licence fee payers from traditional broadcast platforms to IP-based services. BBC Sounds offers users high quality audio streams compared to satellite.

For the current set of BBC Radio frequencies via the Astra 2E/F/G satellite system, click or touch on the header below to expand details:

The transition of services to DVB-S2 will continue during the first three months of 2023.