The below channels are available as free-to-air analogue broadcasts, as well as on satellite and cable systems. Approximately 21.5% of homes receive only these channels. 78% of homes receive additional channels.
- RTE 1 - main RTÉ national station (broadcast from both Cork and Dublin).
- RTE 2 - secondary RTÉ national station (known for a long period as "Network 2")
- TG4 - National Irish Language station (formerly TnaG)
- TV3 - independent commercial broadcaster
In some areas (particularly in the west and south) a number of "deflector systems" re-broadcast UK terrestrial channels (often illegally) on low power UHF transmitters. In some areas, TV3 is also re-broadcast by 'deflector' groups to localities where TV3's own UHF coverage is unsatisfactory.
In September 2006, it was estimated that 70% of Irish homes have cable, satellite or MMDS TV, with 70% of these using digital systems. As a result the majority of Irish homes have a large number of TV channels available.
Many of these channels acknowledge their Irish audience, ranging from providing Irish telephone or SMS numbers (e.g TMF, QVC), to providing a specific Irish advertising stream (Sky One, E4, Paramount Comedy Channel).
TV stations from other countries available in Ireland include those from Poland, China, France, Germany, Spain, India, Pakistan and the U.S.A. These are mainly viewed by immigrants from those countries and are not available on the packages offered by the main cable, satellite or MMDS operators
There are currently 7 main Digital/Cable providers in Ireland:
