New era of free-to-air TV: Brazil releases 1,100 free digital TV channels in a new national expansion and increases access to movies, series, and open programming without a subscription fee, creating a popular alternative to the price increase of Netflix and other streaming services in 2026.

Written by Hilton Libório

Published on 20/05/2026 at 17:34

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Brazil expands free digital channels and strengthens free-to-air TV with more access to movies, series, and entertainment without relying on paid streaming.

Brazil is experiencing a new phase of free-to-air TV with the authorization of 1,132 digital TV retransmissions between 2023 and 2025. Data released by the Ministry of Communications shows that the expansion of free digital channels is increasing the population’s access to content without a subscription, precisely at a time of rising prices on Netflix and other streaming platforms.

According to an article published by Canaltech on May 20, 2026, the measure brought digital signals to inland cities, remote regions, and communities facing technical limitations. In addition to improving image and sound quality, digital TV remains free and does not require the internet, only a compatible antenna.

Expansion of free-to-air TV brings free signal to cities previously without coverage

The expansion of free-to-air TV gained momentum in the last three years with the arrival of new digital signals in different Brazilian regions. According to the Ministry of Communications, the 1,132 authorized retransmissions help broadcasters reach municipalities that previously had limited coverage.

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Netflix price increase leads Brazilians to rediscover free digital channels

The increase in Netflix subscription prices and other streaming platforms has helped reignite interest in free-to-air TV. Many families have started looking for ways to save money without giving up daily entertainment.

In this scenario, free digital channels have gained ground by offering varied programming without a monthly fee. Soap operas, movies, sports, news programs, and cultural attractions remain accessible to many Brazilians.

Additionally, digital TV has an important advantage over streaming: it works without the internet. In regions where the connection is still unstable or limited, this makes a difference in the daily routine of the population.

Another relevant point is that some consumers have started combining different consumption formats. Many families use streaming for specific content and keep free-to-air TV as the main free option in their daily lives.

Digital TV improves image, sound, and signal stability in Brazil

The expansion of digital TV not only brought more channels. Technological modernization also significantly improved the experience of Brazilian viewers.

The digital signal offers high-definition image, cleaner audio, and fewer transmission failures. Compared to the old analog system, the change represents an important advancement for communication in the country.

Among the improvements most noticed by users are:

Sharper image
Higher quality audio
Fewer static and interferences
Greater signal stability
Expanded coverage in new regions

Another important factor is the low cost of access. In many cases, just a common antenna and a compatible television are enough to use digital TV for free.

Interior of the country concentrates part of the new free-to-air TV retransmissions

A large part of the authorizations occurred in cities in the interior and regions far from major urban centers. In these areas, free-to-air TV still plays an essential role in the circulation of local news, health campaigns, and public utility information.

The arrival of new free digital channels also expands access to educational and cultural programming. In smaller communities, free television continues to be an important tool for social inclusion.

The expansion of digital TV occurs in parallel with the growth of online media consumption. Even with the advancement of streaming, experts point out that free-to-air television remains relevant for reaching diverse audiences and operating without a subscription.

Community radio and educational broadcasters also advance in the country

In addition to digital TV, the Ministry of Communications also expanded radio concessions in various Brazilian regions. According to the official survey, 536 radio retransmissions were authorized in the Legal Amazon in the last three years.

The actions impact eight states and are part of the Radio Retransmission Service in the Legal Amazon (RTR). The goal is to expand access to information in more isolated areas.

The federal government also authorized:

27 new educational radio stations
258 community radio stations
Expansion of local and cultural content
Strengthening of regional communication

Community radio stations continue to play an important role in smaller municipalities, disseminating local news, job opportunities, public campaigns, and cultural events.

Expensive streaming accelerates new phase of free-to-air TV in Brazil

The growth of free-to-air TV shows that free television remains relevant even in the face of the expansion of digital platforms. With the constant rise of Netflix and other streaming services, many Brazilians have come to value free digital channels again.

The combination of technology, free access, and wide coverage strengthens digital TV as an accessible alternative for information and entertainment. Furthermore, the expansion helps reduce inequalities in communication access, especially in more remote regions.

With 1,132 new retransmissions authorized between 2023 and 2025, Brazil expands the reach of free television and reinforces the importance of open communication in a scenario increasingly dominated by paid services.

With information from CanalTech

New era of free-to-air TV: Brazil releases 1,100 free digital TV channels in a new national expansion and increases access to movies, series, and open programming without a subscription fee, creating a popular alternative to the price increase of Netflix and other streaming services in 2026.

Brazil expands free digital channels and strengthens free-to-air TV with more access to movies, series, and entertainment without relying on paid streaming.

Expansion of free-to-air TV brings free signal to cities previously without coverage

Netflix price increase leads Brazilians to rediscover free digital channels

Digital TV improves image, sound, and signal stability in Brazil

Interior of the country concentrates part of the new free-to-air TV retransmissions

Community radio and educational broadcasters also advance in the country

Expensive streaming accelerates new phase of free-to-air TV in Brazil

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New era of free-to-air TV: Brazil releases 1,100 free digital TV channels in a new national expansion and increases access to movies, series, and open programming without a subscription fee, creating a popular alternative to the price increase of Netflix and other streaming services in 2026.

Brazil expands free digital channels and strengthens free-to-air TV with more access to movies, series, and entertainment without relying on paid streaming.

Expansion of free-to-air TV brings free signal to cities previously without coverage

Netflix price increase leads Brazilians to rediscover free digital channels

Digital TV improves image, sound, and signal stability in Brazil

Interior of the country concentrates part of the new free-to-air TV retransmissions

Community radio and educational broadcasters also advance in the country

Expensive streaming accelerates new phase of free-to-air TV in Brazil

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