Saorsat to close in early 2028 as satellite reaches end of life
October 22, 2026 12.33 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Ireland’s free-to-air satellite television service Saorsat will close in early 2028, following the retirement of the satellite used to deliver its channels.

An official notice published by Saorview says the satellite will reach the end of its operational life in 2028 and will not be replaced.

“There is no alternative satellite available, so it will be necessary to discontinue Saorsat in early 2028,” the notice states.

Saorsat uses KA-SAT, also known as KA-SAT 9A, at 9° East. Its Ka-band spot beam serves Ireland, allowing public-service channels to reach households outside reliable terrestrial coverage. The satellite distribution arrangement was designed to limit overspill beyond Ireland. Saorsat uses Viasat’s KA-SAT satellite at 9° East, formerly owned by Eutelsat.

Launched in 2012, Saorsat provides services from RTÉ, TG4 and Oireachtas TV in areas where terrestrial Saorview reception is difficult.

Saorview has also advised installers against carrying out further Saorsat installations. According to an update from trade association CAI, existing users will be informed through the Saorsat and Saorview websites, with on-screen messages planned as closure approaches.

Affected households are being encouraged to check whether they can now receive Saorview using its coverage checker or advice from a local aerial installer. The channels will remain available through other television platforms and their respective online services, although reception options will depend on location and subscriptions. No precise switch-off date has been announced.

Separately, ComReg has opened a debate about the longer-term role of Saorview as viewing moves online, recommending preparations for how public-service television could be delivered if terrestrial broadcasting were reduced or discontinued. That review is distinct from the confirmed Saorsat closure: no Saorview switch-off has been announced, and any decision on its future would rest with the Government.