How Many Multiplexes Does Freeview Use?
The UK's Freeview platform is built on a collection of digital terrestrial multiplexes, each licensed separately and carrying a distinct set of channels. Understanding which multiplex carries which channels helps explain why coverage varies by location — not all transmitters broadcast all multiplexes.
Freeview multiplexes fall into two categories: PSB (Public Service Broadcasting) multiplexes and COM (Commercial) multiplexes.
PSB Multiplexes: The Core of Freeview
The PSB multiplexes carry the public service broadcasting channels and are broadcast from all full-power transmitters across the UK. They use the DVB-T standard (and DVB-T2 for PSB3 HD content).
PSB1 — Operated by BBC
The BBC's primary multiplex, carrying:
- BBC One (regional variations)
- BBC Two
- BBC Four
- CBeebies
- BBC News
- BBC Parliament
- BBC Radio stations and national radio data
PSB2 — Operated by Digital 3&4 Ltd (ITV/Channel 4)
The commercial PSB multiplex, carrying:
- ITV (regional variations)
- Channel 4 (regional variations)
- Channel 4+1
- More4
- E4 and E4+1
- Film4 and Film4+1
- ITV2, ITV3, ITV4
- ITVBe
PSB3 — Operated by SDN / Channel 5 Group
Carries Channel 5 and its family of channels:
- Channel 5
- 5Star and 5USA
- 5Action
- Channel 5+1
- Also carries HD versions of BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, and Channel 4 via DVB-T2 on upgraded transmitters
COM Multiplexes: More Channels, Less Coverage
The commercial multiplexes carry a wider range of channels but are only broadcast from larger transmitters, meaning they're unavailable in some areas — particularly rural locations. They use DVB-T (COM4–6) and DVB-T2 (COM7–8) standards.
COM4 — Operated by SDN
A mix of shopping, news, and general entertainment channels. Includes channels from the Sky portfolio (free-to-air), Quest, and various shopping and community channels.
COM5 — Operated by Arqiva
Carries a selection of factual, entertainment, and children's channels, including channels operated by Discovery and various independent broadcasters.
COM6 — Operated by Arqiva
A further selection of entertainment, lifestyle, and factual channels. Some channels on COM6 are available free-to-air despite being primarily pay-TV brands.
COM7 & COM8 — DVB-T2 HD Multiplexes
These two multiplexes use the more efficient DVB-T2 standard, which allows for HD and Ultra HD content. They require a DVB-T2 compatible receiver:
- HD versions of BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5
- HD versions of entertainment channels
- CBBC HD, CBeebies HD
- Sky channels in HD (where broadcast free-to-air)
Important: If your TV or box only has a DVB-T (not DVB-T2) tuner, you cannot receive these HD multiplexes, even if your transmitter broadcasts them.
Why Doesn't My Area Get All Multiplexes?
Coverage of the COM multiplexes is less complete than the PSB multiplexes because smaller "relay" transmitters typically only rebroadcast the PSB signals. The full set of multiplexes is generally available from:
- Main transmitters (e.g. Crystal Palace, Emley Moor, Winter Hill)
- Many large relay transmitters in populated areas
If your property receives signal from a small relay transmitter, you may only get PSB1–3 and miss out on the COM channels entirely. In this situation, Freesat or a streaming service may offer a better channel selection.
Summary Table
| Multiplex | Standard | Operator | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSB1 | DVB-T | BBC | Near-universal |
| PSB2 | DVB-T | Digital 3&4 | Near-universal |
| PSB3 | DVB-T/T2 | SDN | Near-universal |
| COM4 | DVB-T | SDN | Good (main transmitters) |
| COM5 | DVB-T | Arqiva | Good (main transmitters) |
| COM6 | DVB-T | Arqiva | Good (main transmitters) |
| COM7/COM8 | DVB-T2 | Arqiva | Partial (larger transmitters) |