FreeviewPlus mobile app to launch: Major networks team up for live streaming and catch-up TV

Free-to-air industry body Freeview will be making all network television networks accessible through a new mobile app. The FreeviewPlus mobile app will feature all Australian free-to-air (FTA) networks, including SBS, which exited Freeview in 2015.

According to Mumbrella, the FreeviewPlus mobile app will provide access to all FTA networks’ live streaming and catch-up content, which will include those from Plus7, 9Now, TenPlay, ABC iView and SBS OnDemand.

“It’s clear that consumers are in charge of their viewing and they want the flexibility to watch what they want, when they want, on the best available screen at the time – even when out of home,” CEO Liz Ross said in a statement. She was delighted that SBS, which launched its own HbbTV in 2014, decided to rejoin Freeview.

“We have an exciting year ahead in free-to-air television and the spirit of progress and collaboration will deliver some significant innovations in 2016,” she added. “We’re especially glad to welcome SBS back to the Freeview family.”

SBS left Freeview last year following change in SBS’s advertising revenue. The public broadcaster cited budgetary concerns for its decision to withdraw from digital TV platform. The government cut $53.7 million from its five-year budget, forcing SBS to leave Freeview.

According to the statement, FreeviewPlus will be installed with upgrades to allow viewers access to “a wider range of features and functionality.” Freeview has not released a timetable for the launch of the mobile app.

The company also announced its new chairman. Clive Dickens has replaced Kim Dalton, who served seven years in the role.

“We would like to thank Kim for his vision and energy in the role,” Dickens commended the outgoing chairman. “Under his stewardship, Freeview has launched the award-winning hybrid TV service FreeviewPlus, delivering Australian audiences the best in FTA TV technology.”