How does free satellite TV sound? Terrifying, if you’re a U.K. service provider cashing in on customers. The free satellite television and radio service is the result of BBC and ITV’s efforts to bring U.K. consumers satellite technology at no expense (more or less…).

The service is said to cover 98 percent of U.K. homes and will include 80 digital TV and radio channels (including high definition channels), a number that is said to reach 200 by the end of the year. The launch takes place in mid-transition process in Britain, from analog to digital signal.

No more monthly fees, no more contracts, just a one-time payment for the receiver, which comes in three types: standard definition box, HD box and HD integrated digital TV with Freesat built-in (IDTV), and for the installation (which includes the satellite dish).

The prices will start from £49 for the standard box, and can go as high as £120 for the high definition box, and an extra £80 for the installation. Freesat also plans to offer Alba and Humax digital television recorders later this summer.

“The launch of Freesat is the final piece in the digital jigsaw and will ensure that all viewers in the U.K. have access to free-to-air digital and high definition televisions,” said Michael Grade, executive Chairman ITV. “Now everyone in the U.K. can experience the benefits of digital television: more choice of channels, interactivity and extraordinary picture quality of HD.”

Some of the channels initially offered by Freesat include: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four; ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4; Channel 4, E4, More4 and Film4; news channels BBC News and Al-Jazeera English; children's channels CBBC, CBeebies and CiTV; music channels Chartshow TV and The Vault; interactivity from BBCi; digital radio; as well as BBC HD and ITV HD.