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Streaming platform provider Roku UK has announced the imminent roll-out of their “first-ever” FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels. A total of 40 FAST channels are due to go live across the company’s Apps, TVs and streaming boxes at no extra cost, starting from October next month.
Just to recap. Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels require a broadband connection for internet access and tend to reflect special dedicated channels that usually only offer content and schedules based on either a single TV show or theme. Roku has already deployed FAST channels in North and South America, but they’re now also brining them to the UK.
The new UK lineup will include channels dedicated to popular series and genres, with content spanning entertainment, lifestyle, true crime, classic TV, documentaries, and more. New channels include PGA TOUR for golf, This Old House for home and garden, Unsolved Mysteries for crime, NatureTime for wildlife, Love Pets for animals, and more.
FAST Channels can be accessed through The Roku Channel and new Live TV zone. The Roku Channel is available exclusively on Roku streaming players and Roku TV models in the UK. Roku also offers What to Watch, featuring personalised recommendations on all devices in the UK, and recently launched two new streaming players.
Richard Halton, Country Manager of Roku UK, said:
“With the launch of our first FAST channels in the UK this October, we’re giving viewers more choice than ever before – from iconic series and films to new favourites and niche genres – all for free. It’s an exciting step forward as we continue to expand and open up new opportunities for advertisers to reach highly engaged audiences.”
The full lineup of FAST channels will be announced in the near future and just ahead of the launch, although we don’t know why they couldn’t just confirm it today.