You may have missed it amidst the news of other streaming services, but the BBC is quietly shaping something that could change how you watch TV. The service is planning to unveil a radically simplified Freely streaming box.
This will be meticulously engineered for people with disabilities and older viewers, especially those over 75, who often face usability or accessibility barriers.
The start of the Freely platform
Freely was launched in April 2024 by Everyone TV from a collaboration between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. This platform now offers a unified electronic programme guide (EPG) that lets you switch across broadcasters.
Solving device compatibility issues
As of now, Freely is available only on broadband and select new smart TVs built with the platform. Many households with perfectly functional older sets cannot access the streaming site.
That limitation prompted a new revelation a few weeks ago. Freely’s first standalone plug-in streaming device, created in partnership with French firm Netgem, will soon be available for purchase. This box requires only Wi-Fi and no aerial to bring live and on-demand services to any TV.
During launch, Jonathan Thompson, the CEO of Everyone TV, said:
“Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone. Expanding to ‘plug-in and stream’ devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription.
In partnership with Netgem, we’re launching streaming devices to make it easier than ever for UK audiences to enjoy the nation’s favourite TV, for free, on the TV you already have.”
Sylvain Thevenot, the Managing Director of Netgem U.K added:
“This innovation represents a game-changer for viewers who seek a streamlined TV and entertainment experience delivered over Wi-Fi.
The integration of Freely with Netgem’s entertainment service positions this streaming puck as the optimal choice for all households and breathes a second life to all TV sets at an affordable price.”
BBC’s new Freely streaming box
The Netgem Freely box is only part of the BBC’s broader plan.
In May 2025, BBC Director-General Tim Davie announced that they are considering a dedicated streaming device for Freely.
“To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services,” he said.
Since then, BBC documents have echoed the commitment to digital inclusion, referencing a new streaming media device, designed with accessibility in mind and a radically simple user interface.
When pressed, the giant confirmed these are two separate devices: the mainstream Netgem box, and an accessibility-first BBC Freely streaming box still in development.
One gives power users streaming apps and extra channels; the other removes distractions, complexity, and barriers.
“Now, as DCMS explores the best way forward for the future of TV distribution, we believe the BBC can play a vital role in helping to support audiences to transition to digital in a way that’s fair and equitable, where access is guaranteed and no one is left behind,” Davie added.
Who benefits from this new BBC Freely streaming box?
At the heart of this project lies concern for three groups:
- Unemployed households, who may struggle with affordability.
- People with disabilities, navigating systems that aren’t always designed for them.
- Over-75s, many of whom find digital menus and streaming apps confusing.
Taken together, these groups represent over a million UK households. This is a significant segment at risk of digital exclusion as Freeview transitions to IP.
A commissioned BBC report estimates that full digital inclusion could yield up to £21.1 to 30.8 billion per year in national economic benefits. But this is only possible if everyone successfully crosses the digital divide.
What the “radically simplified” BBC Freely streaming box will look like
The BBC has offered no hardware specifications yet, but based on the target demographic, the design priorities are clear. We predict that it will have:
- A straightforward channel guide that mirrors the familiarity of old Freeview days.
- Quick, single-click access to catch-up services from iPlayer or ITVX without needing to scroll through several apps.
- A minimalist interface that will be free of flashing banners, recommendations, probably ads too, or subscription prompts.
- It might even cost less than the Netgem box, and that matters deeply for households on fixed incomes.
The challenges that could hinder this new development
Even the best-intentioned designs face limits. For this box, we foresee it facing the following challenges:
- Broadband access: Streaming replaces aerials, but rural or financially stretched users may lack reliable Wi-Fi. Without good connectivity, the best simplified Freely interface fails to help.
- Cost of broadband: While the TV service may be free, the typical broadband bill of around £27 a month effectively introduces a hidden cost for “free” TV for vulnerable households.
- Timeline uncertainty: The Netgem streaming box is launching later this year. The BBC’s simplified box? Timelines remain vague as it’s still being explored with no firm release date.
What this means for you
If you’re tech-savvy, you will be covered by the Netgem-powered Freely device, with more features and flexibility.
But if you care for someone or are someone who finds menus confusing, buttons overwhelming, and apps unnecessary, this new BBC Freely streaming box could be the answer.