The short answer
IPTV means TV over internet protocol: each channel arrives as a stream over your connection, the same way a video app works. No connection, no channels. An aerial, dish or cable TV line isn’t needed, but an internet connection is.
How much speed and data
| Quality | Typical bitrate | Data per hour |
|---|---|---|
| SD | 1–2 Mbps | 0.45–0.9 GB |
| HD (720p) | 2.5–4 Mbps | 1.1–1.8 GB |
| Full HD (1080p) | 4–8 Mbps | 1.8–3.6 GB |
| 4K | 15–25 Mbps | 6.8–11.3 GB |
These are the typical ranges from our data usage guide. Your connection needs headroom above the stream for other people and devices at home. See internet speed for IPTV.
Which connection works best
- Network cable: the steadiest. Best for the main TV and live sport. Many sticks need an adapter.
- Wi-Fi: fine on a strong signal, ideally 5 GHz. Walls, distance and neighbours’ networks cause most drop-outs. See Wi-Fi vs Ethernet for IPTV.
- Mobile data: works on 4G and 5G, but uses your allowance quickly at HD and above.
Does managed IPTV need the internet?
Broadband providers’ own TV services deliver channels over their network to their own box, sometimes separately from your internet traffic. They still need the provider’s line. App-based IPTV uses your ordinary internet connection. See IPTV vs OTT.
Watching without a connection
Live channels can’t be watched offline. Some on-demand apps let you download in advance: the BBC says programmes downloaded to the iPlayer app on a phone or tablet can be watched offline, even abroad, until they expire. For live TV with no internet at all, you need an aerial, a dish or cable.