Top 10 Satellites for Watching Free International TV in 2026

Why Orbital Position Matters

Each satellite sits at a fixed point in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 km above the equator. The orbital position (measured in degrees East or West) determines which part of the world can receive its signals and which direction your dish must point.

Choosing the right satellite is the first step toward a rich free-to-air channel lineup. Here are the top 10 positions for free international television.

1. Astra 19.2°E — Europe's Biggest DTH Position

Home to over 1,000 free-to-air channels, Astra 19.2°E is the dominant satellite position in Europe. It carries major channels from Germany, France, the UK, and beyond.

• Dish size: 60–80cm across most of Europe
• Notable channels: ARD, ZDF, RTL, ProSieben, BBC (encrypted in UK), numerous regional packages
• Language strength: German, French, English, Dutch

2. Hotbird 13°E — Mediterranean & Middle East Favourite

Hotbird at 13°E is the go-to position for Italian, Greek, Arabic, and Eastern European channels. It covers a massive footprint from western Europe to the Middle East.

• Dish size: 60–90cm across Europe
• Notable channels: RAI, Mediaset, hundreds of Arabic FTA channels
• Strong for: Italian, Arabic, Greek, Turkish content

3. Eutelsat 7°W / Nilesat 7°W — Arab World's Biggest Position

The 7°W arc is the most popular satellite position across the Arab world, carrying hundreds of Arabic FTA channels including news, entertainment, sports, and religious content.

If you're in North Africa or the Middle East and want Arabic content, 7°W is essential. A 90cm dish is usually sufficient across the MENA region.

4. Arabsat 26°E — Pan-Arab Broadcaster

Arabsat at 26°E carries a strong lineup of Arabic channels with good coverage from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and North Africa. Works well alongside 7°W for comprehensive Arab coverage.

5. SES-5 / Astra 4A at 4.8°E — Nordic & Eastern Europe

This position carries strong Scandinavian, Eastern European, and some pan-European channels. It's a popular position for viewers in Poland, the Baltic states, and the Nordic countries.

6. Türksat 42°E — Turkey and Central Asia

Türksat dominates Turkish satellite broadcasting, carrying all the major Turkish channels free-to-air. It also reaches into Central Asia and parts of the Middle East.

• Dish size: 60cm in Turkey, 90–120cm at the edges of the footprint
• Notable channels: TRT, ATV, Show TV, Star TV, and hundreds more

7. AsiaSat 5 at 100.5°E — Southeast Asia

AsiaSat 5 is a major free-to-air hub for Southeast Asian broadcasting, covering the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and surrounding regions.

8. Intelsat 20 at 68.5°E — South Asia

One of the most important positions for South Asian FTA content, including Indian regional channels, Pakistani broadcasters, and Sri Lankan content.

9. NSS-12 at 57°E — Indian Ocean

A growing position for African and South Asian FTA broadcasting. Particularly strong for the Indian subcontinent and East African markets.

10. Galaxy 19 at 97°W — North America FTA

The premier FTA satellite position in North America, carrying channels targeting Spanish-speaking audiences, ethnic broadcasters, and US religious networks.

• Dish size: 90–120cm across continental US
• Strong for: Spanish, ethnic, religious FTA programming

Finding All Channels on These Satellites

DishTuner's satellite browser lists all active satellites with full channel counts, transponder data, and the alignment angles for your location. Browse any of the positions above to see the complete channel lineup and technical parameters.