Free to Air (FTA) channels are digital channels that are not encrypted by the service provider and require no subscription or monthly payment. They are provided free of charge by the provider and are perfectly legal to receive with an FTA receiver.

There are many free to air channels available in North America on satellites such as Galaxy 10R, AMC4, Telstar 5, AMC3, etc. These channels are from the USA and from around the world. See http://www.lyngsat.com/america.shtml for a complete listing of what is available.

Almost all of the channels provided by these companies are NOT FTA. The channels are encrypted and require an authorized receiver and monthly subscription.

Absolutely not.  These channels require subscription and special receivers supplied by the service provider only.  Any tampering with your FTA receiver (whether by hardware or software modification) to try to receive the premium channels without paying is not only a violation of the law and unethical, but also will void the warrantee on your receiver and may render it unusable.  We do not support or condone piracy of signal.  Don't even inquire about it.  Sale of products on this site is subject to Terms of Use and Declaration of Intent agreement.

No.  All FTA channels are available on satellites with much weaker signal than DSS.  The minimum size dish required is 30".  Also, FTA and DBS / DSS satellites require different type of LNBFs.

• For the C-Band signal channels you will need a 6-10ft dish.
• For KU-band channels you will need at least a 30" dish