Install Aerial Cable Scope of Works Pre‑visit signal & route survey – confirm cable length, drill points and loft/roof access. Supply & run new coax cab...
Installing TV aerial cabling in the UK typically costs £60–£250 for a single new outlet, depending on cable run length and number of points. Multi-point installations (TV in multiple rooms): £150-£500+ for typical 3-4 point setup. The work spans drilling external walls, running cable through cavities or surface-mounted, and fitting wall plates with appropriate connectors.
For UK homes wanting Freeview, satellite (Sky / Freesat), or community antenna distribution, getting cabling right matters — poor cable installation is the most common cause of "weak signal" complaints when the aerial itself is fine.
Typical UK costs
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Single new outlet (existing aerial) | £60–£140 |
| Single new outlet (new aerial install) | £140–£300 |
| Multi-point install (3-4 outlets) | £200–£500 |
| Distribution amplifier install | £100–£250 |
| External cable replacement | £80–£200 |
| Internal cable rerouting (single) | £60–£150 |
| HD / digital aerial replacement | £200–£400 |
| Communal antenna setup (block of flats) | £500–£3,000+ |
Common installation scenarios
- New TV in new room — typically tap from existing main feed via splitter, run cable to new wallplate.
- Multi-room from existing aerial — distribution amplifier + multiple cable runs.
- Existing aerial, new TV brand connector — wallplate change to match new TV's connector type.
- Aerial moved to better position — re-cabling required when aerial is repositioned.
- Remove existing satellite, install Freeview only — cable type change (satellite uses different cable).
- Loft conversion / extension — extending cabling to new rooms during build.
Cable types
- Coaxial cable (RG6 / Webro WF100) — standard for both terrestrial Freeview and satellite. WF100 is UK industry standard.
- Satellite-grade cable — sometimes higher-spec needed for very long runs or high-frequency satellite signals.
- Distribution cable for HDMI — different category; for distributing HDMI signals, not aerial signal.
- Cat5/6 for IPTV — for home network video distribution; not aerial cable.
Things people often miss
- Cable quality matters — cheap mass-market coaxial loses signal over long runs. WF100 is the UK standard for new installs.
- Connector quality — soldered or compression-fitted connectors are reliable. Cheap "screw on" connectors fail; cause poor signal complaints.
- Cable runs through walls — surface-mounted cabling in trunking is unsightly but cheap; chasing cables into walls is tidier but more expensive (£20-£40/m extra).
- Distribution amplifier limits — splitting a signal too many ways causes weak signal at all points. Distribution amplifier (£40-£90 + fitting) boosts and redistributes.
- Outdoor cable rated — UV-resistant outdoor coaxial used for the run from aerial to building. Standard indoor cable degrades outdoors within 5-10 years.
- External wall sealing — wallplate cable entries should be sealed externally to prevent water ingress. Often overlooked, leads to interior damp.
- Old cabling — pre-2000 cabling often loose-fitting, poor specs. May be cheaper to fully replace than to debug intermittent issues.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to add a TV point to a new room?
£60-£140 for a single new outlet from existing aerial cabling, assuming reasonable cable access. Longer runs (cross-house) or surface-mounted only add £40-£100.
Can I install aerial cabling myself?
Yes, with appropriate cable, connectors, and tools. Surface-mounted cabling is most achievable DIY. Working at height (aerial replacement) is not safe DIY for most. Internal chasing requires plastering knowledge for tidy finish.
What's a distribution amplifier?
Active device that boosts the signal from the aerial and splits it to multiple outlets. Required when feeding 3+ TVs from one aerial. £40-£90 for the unit + £30-£60 fitting.
How long does the cable last?
Internal cable: 25+ years. External cable: 10-20 years (UV degradation). Connectors more vulnerable; replace if signal degrades after several years.
Will I need a new aerial?
If existing aerial works for current channels, no. If switching to or adding HD / 4K (UHF wideband aerial) the existing aerial may need replacing. Most modern aerials handle Freeview HD.
What about communal aerials in flats?
Block of flats typically has shared rooftop aerial with cabling to each unit. Maintenance / replacement is landlord / management company responsibility. Get permission before adding own aerial.
Want a local pro to handle this? A CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) member or established local aerial installer handles cabling cleanly. For complex multi-room setups, IPTV / HDMI distribution specialists may be more appropriate than traditional aerial fitters.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
