With the launch next month of Freesat, there appears to be confusion among dealers.

In his presentation at the Retra Conference, Mike Chandler, managing director of satellite operator Astra, dispelled some of the confusion.

Examples of confusion include one dealer who told me that consumers will be able to upgrade their Freesat set-top box to receive pay-TV satellite programming – this is incorrect.

In addition , Mr Chandler pointed out that Freesat set-top boxes do not need to be connected to the telephone line and no viewing cards are required.