Television via DVB-T2 is becoming more expensive again in Germany. The provider of DVB-T2 – Freenet TV – has announced a price increase. TECHBOOK has the details on the new costs and when they will apply.
The number of households that receive HD television via antenna is declining. According to Statista, around 1.33 million people watched DVB-T2 in 2021. But all of them will soon pay more for television. Because provider Freenet TV increases the prices.
Freenet TV increases prices by 12.5 percent
The price increase affects both new and existing customers, but it comes into effect at different times. While the higher costs for new customers will apply from September, existing Freenet TV customers will not pay the new prices until December. The price increase amounts to a total of one euro per month: the prices climb from 6.99 euros to 7.99 euros per month. Customers therefore have to pay a total of 12.5 percent more.
Since the start of DVB-T2 in Germany, Freenet TV has already raised prices once. In 2017, terrestrial television cost 5.75 euros a month. The offer was considered one of the cheapest ways to receive television in full HD. In 2020, the monthly costs rose to 6.99 euros, and with the current price increase they will soon be 7.99 euros. The ever-increasing costs for locations, personnel and technical maintenance are just some of the reasons why Freenet TV had to adjust the prices for DVB-T2 and is now apparently having to do so again.
Also read: Improve DVB-T2 reception with simple tips
Television via DVB-T2 no longer so attractive
In 2017, DVB-T2 replaced the previously widespread DVB-T. Before the changeover, users only needed an (indoor) antenna and a receiver and could watch TV from anywhere for free – but only in SD. DVB-T2 brought television in full HD, but at an additional cost. In order to be able to unlock the HD channels via DVB-T2, users need a subscription to Freenet TV and new hardware in the form of a more up-to-date receiver or a CI+ module.
In the year after the changeover, the number of users initially increased slightly, but has been declining since 2018. Other offers such as television via the Internet (IPTV) or via cable are now much more attractive for many users and are no longer as expensive as they used to be.
Also read: DVB-T2, satellite, cable, Internet – how to watch TV at the cheapest price
The range of transmitters is also higher with the alternative reception methods. With Freenet TV, users only have access to around 40 HD channels from private and public broadcasters. The higher prices that Freenet TV will soon be charging will not be helpful for the distribution of DVB-T2 in Germany.