Satellite Updates (Astra 28.2/5E) [Freesat & Sky Services] Feb 2025
Share
Major Astra 28.2/5 satellite frequency changes of interest to viewers in the UK and Ireland updated on a weekly basis, unless there is a major event.
Last updated: 11/02/2025
Astra 2E orbits at 28.5°E, whereas Astra 2F and 2G are located at 28.2°E.
Quietest time for satellite changes
11/02/2025 – We’ve not had such a quiet time regarding satellite changes for some time. Three years ago on 1st February 2022, BBC Three relaunched on TV. Two years ago, the BBC was busily launching new HD channels. Last year, it was all about the closure of SD channels from both the BBC and ITV.
The next ‘major’ event will the closure of Eurosport at the end of the month. Premier Sports’ new Rugby channel is on the horizon as well.
In the meantime, just minor changes to Sky’s channels, for example, Sky Sports NFL has reverted back to Sky Sports Action following the end of the 2024/25 NFL season.
Final traces of Sports Active removed from satellite
03/02/2025 – Sky’s Sports Active red button service ended a while back. However three streams remained in the background, which have now been removed. Sports Active once provided Sky viewers with access to extra sports coverage via the red button. Instead, the red button on Sky Q now directs to internet streams (and for most sports branded as ‘Sky Sports+’ in addition to the linear channel of the same name).
As a result, the satellite streams are no longer needed. That’s a model likely to be followed by the BBC when they eventually retire their BBC RB 1 channel in favour of iPlayer streams.
Three channels return to Sky
23/01/2025 – Takbeer TV (743) has returned to Sky after a couple of days away from the platform. iON (782) and Ahlebait TV (742) have also returned to the platform. Short-term absences are usually the result of either technical or financial issues. Channels broadcasting on Sky’s satellite TV service must abide by certain technical standards and keep up payments to Sky for inclusion on the channel list.
More channels delisted from Sky
21/01/2025 – Ahlebait TV (742), Takbeer TV (743) have been delisted from the Sky satellite EPG.
iON TV delisted from Sky
20/01/2025 – iON TV, previously on Sky satellite channel 782, has been delisted from the EPG. The satellite feed of the channel is still running.
London Live replaced by London TV
20/01/2025 – Local TV channel London Live on Sky channel 117 in London and 11656 V [encrypted] has been replaced by London TV. The local TV licence has been taken over by Local TV Limited, which has previously removed its services from satellite…
Brit Asia delisted from Sky
16/01/2025 – Brit Asia TV has been delisted from Sky channel 761, but a feed of the channel is still live on satellite, which is expected to go dark soon.
Quest HD ROI launches
14/01/2025 – An Irish version of Quest HD has now launched on Sky satellite in the Republic of Ireland.
ITV1 HD changes completed
14/01/2025 – ITV1 HD is no longer using Sky’s satellite transponder capacity. The transition of all ITV1 HD regions to new transponder capacity is now complete.
ITV/STV/UTV satellite manual tuning frequencies
That’s Fabulous to be replaced by That’s Oldies
10/01/2025 – Sky has confirmed that music channel That’s Fabulous (channel 359) will change to That’s Oldies on Monday 13th January.
The “That’s Oldies” music format has been recently spotted on That’s TV3, which in turn was until recently That’s Christmas…
Full BritAsia statement regarding Sky changes
10/01/2025 – For BritAsia TV viewers, switching to BritAsia’s streaming service after it leaves Sky means a picture upgrade from SD to 4K UHD.