Roku Adds 11 Free Channels: How Wireless Dealers Can Capitalize on Streaming Growth

Roku quietly added 11 new free channels to The Roku Channel this week, expanding its ad-supported streaming platform with content spanning sports, news, classic television, educational programming, and reality TV. The update, rolling out across Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices, requires no subscription fees and reinforces Roku's position as a leading destination for free, accessible entertainment. For wireless dealers, this expansion creates significant opportunities to sell roku free channels wireless dealers streaming devices, educate customers on cord-cutting alternatives, and bundle streaming solutions with 5G home internet and mobile services.

What's New: Roku's 11 Free Channel Additions

The Roku Channel, which launched in 2017 and has grown into a comprehensive hub for free movies, TV episodes, and live channels, now offers an even broader selection. The 11 new channels cover diverse interests, ensuring something for every demographic. Here's what Roku added:

Sports Coverage

• Tennis Channel: Live matches, highlights, and expert analysis

• Extended Sports Commentary: In-depth discussions on athletic performances, controversies, and player profiles

News and International Content

• International News Channel: Round-the-clock coverage of world events, politics, and business developments

• BBC Content: International perspectives and cultural programming

Classic Television and Entertainment

• Western Dramas: Mid-20th century frontier justice tales and moral dilemmas set in rugged landscapes

• Family Sitcoms: Domestic life humor with relatable family dynamics across multiple seasons

• Classic Game Shows: Quiz formats where contestants climb a ladder of increasingly difficult questions for substantial prizes

Educational and Lifestyle Content

• PBS Genealogy Channel: Tools and stories to help viewers trace ancestry, explore historical records, and connect with heritage

• Home Renovation and DIY: Improvement projects, tool tips, and transformative makeovers

Reality Television

• Post-Incarceration Relationships: Challenges and triumphs of couples navigating life after prison

• Spanish-Language Programming: Romantic narratives and cultural explorations tied to Latin American identities

All channels are accessible through The Roku Channel app on Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices, requiring no additional subscriptions or fees.

Why This Matters for Wireless Dealers

Roku's expansion of free, ad-supported channels is part of a broader trend: consumers are abandoning expensive cable TV and satellite subscriptions in favor of free and low-cost streaming alternatives. For wireless dealers, this creates multiple revenue opportunities around roku free channels wireless dealers streaming devices:

1. Growing Demand for Streaming Devices

As more consumers discover free streaming content on platforms like The Roku Channel, demand for streaming devices increases. Roku devices are among the most popular streaming platforms:

• Roku Active Accounts: 85+ million globally (2025)

• Roku Streaming Hours: 32+ billion hours streamed in 2024

• Market Share: Roku is the #1 streaming platform in the US by active accounts

Wireless dealers can capitalize on this demand by stocking and promoting Roku streaming devices.

2. Cord-Cutting Acceleration

Free streaming channels like those on The Roku Channel accelerate cord-cutting by demonstrating that consumers can access quality entertainment without paying for cable TV:

• Cable TV Subscribers (2015): ~100 million in the US

• Cable TV Subscribers (2025): ~60 million in the US (projected)

• Annual Cable TV Losses: 5-7 million subscribers per year

Every cord-cutter is a potential customer for streaming devices, 5G home internet, and mobile services.

3. Bundling Opportunities with 5G Home Internet

Streaming requires reliable internet connectivity. Wireless dealers can bundle Roku devices with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home Internet, or AT&T Air to create complete cord-cutting solutions.

4. High-Margin Accessory Sales

Streaming device sales create opportunities to upsell high-margin accessories:

• HDMI cables ($10-30)

• Universal remotes ($20-50)

• Streaming device mounts and holders ($15-40)

• Portable speakers and soundbars ($50-300)

• Smart home devices (smart plugs, smart bulbs, $15-50)

How Wireless Dealers Can Capitalize on Roku's Free Channel Expansion

Here's how to leverage roku free channels wireless dealers streaming devices to drive sales and build customer loyalty:

1. Stock and Promote Roku Streaming Devices

Partner with Roku distributors to stock a range of Roku devices at multiple price points:

• Roku Express ($29.99): Entry-level device for budget-conscious customers

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99): Compact 4K streaming with voice remote

• Roku Ultra ($99.99): Premium device with Ethernet, USB, and advanced remote

Display Roku devices prominently in-store with signage highlighting "Access 11 New Free Channels + Thousands of Free Movies & Shows."

2. Educate Customers on Free Streaming Content

Many customers don't realize how much free content is available through streaming platforms. Position yourself as the expert who educates customers on cord-cutting alternatives:

"Did you know Roku just added 11 new free channels covering sports, news, classic TV, and more? You can watch thousands of free movies and shows without any subscription fees. All you need is a Roku device (\$29-99) and internet."

Create in-store demonstrations showing The Roku Channel's free content library, including the new channels.

3. Bundle Roku Devices with 5G Home Internet

Create complete cord-cutting packages that replace cable TV and cable internet:

"Why pay \$200/month for cable TV + internet? Get T-Mobile 5G Home Internet (\$50/month) + Roku Streaming Stick 4K (\$49.99 one-time) and access thousands of free channels, movies, and shows. Total first-month cost: \$99.99, then \$50/month—save \$1,800/year!"

4. Offer Streaming Setup Services

Differentiate your store by offering free or low-cost streaming setup services:

• Connect Roku device to TV and internet

• Create Roku account and set up The Roku Channel

• Show customers how to navigate free channels and content

• Install and configure additional streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV)

"We'll set up your Roku device, show you how to access all 11 new free channels, and teach you how to find thousands of free movies and shows—all included with your purchase."

5. Create Cord-Cutting Starter Packages

Pre-package popular cord-cutting solutions for easy upselling:

• Basic Package ($79.99): Roku Express + HDMI cable + setup service

• Entertainment Package ($149.99): Roku Streaming Stick 4K + HDMI cable + universal remote + setup service

• Ultimate Package ($299.99): Roku Ultra + HDMI cable + soundbar + smart plug + setup service

6. Upsell High-Margin Accessories

Every Roku device sale creates opportunities to upsell accessories:

• HDMI Cables: "You'll need an HDMI cable to connect your Roku to your TV. We have high-quality cables for $15."

• Universal Remotes: "This universal remote lets you control your TV and Roku with one device—$29.99."

• Soundbars: "Upgrade your audio experience with this soundbar—$99.99."

• Smart Home Devices: "Add a smart plug to control your TV and Roku with voice commands—$19.99."

7. Target Cable and Satellite TV Customers

Run targeted advertising campaigns aimed at cable and satellite TV subscribers:

• Facebook/Google Ads: Target users interested in cable TV alternatives, cord cutting, and streaming

• Messaging: "Tired of $150/month cable bills? Get a Roku device ($29-99) + 5G home internet ($50/month) and watch thousands of free channels, movies, and shows."

• Emphasize: No contracts, no equipment fees, no monthly subscription for The Roku Channel

8. Leverage Roku's Brand Recognition

Roku is the #1 streaming platform in the US, with strong brand recognition and customer trust. Use this to your advantage:

"Roku is America's #1 streaming platform, trusted by 85+ million users. Their devices are easy to use, affordable, and give you access to thousands of free and paid streaming services."

Comparing Roku to Other Streaming Devices

Understanding how Roku compares to competitors helps dealers position the right device for each customer:

Roku Streaming Devices

• Price Range: $29.99-$99.99

• Free Content: The Roku Channel with thousands of free movies, shows, and live channels (including 11 new channels)

• App Selection: 10,000+ streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, etc.)

• User Interface: Simple, intuitive, easy for non-tech-savvy users

• Voice Control: Yes (voice remote included on most models)

• 4K Support: Yes (on Streaming Stick 4K and Ultra models)

• Best For: Budget-conscious customers, cord-cutters, users who want simple, easy-to-use devices with extensive free content

  
  

  Amazon Fire TV Devices

  • Price: $39.99-$149.99

  • Free Content: Limited free content; emphasizes Prime Video integration

  • Apps: 10,000+ apps

  • Best For: Amazon Prime members who want seamless Prime Video integration

  
  

  Google Chromecast

  • Price: $29.99-$99.99

  • Free Content: Limited; requires casting from phone or computer

  • Best For: Tech-savvy users who prefer casting from their phones

  
  

  Positioning: "Roku gives you the most free content, the easiest interface, and the best value for cord-cutters. It's the #1 streaming platform in America for a reason."

  
  

  The Bigger Picture: Why Streaming Device Sales Matter

  
  

  Roku's expansion of free channels is part of a larger industry shift toward ad-supported streaming and away from traditional cable TV. This trend will accelerate as:

  • More free channels launch on streaming platforms

  • 5G home internet coverage expands, making it a viable cable replacement

  • Younger generations (Gen Z, younger millennials) never subscribe to cable TV

  • Streaming services produce premium content that rivals traditional TV

  
  

  Wireless dealers who master streaming device sales, bundling, and customer education will capture market share from dying cable TV companies and build sustainable, high-revenue businesses.

  
  

  Action Steps for Wireless Dealers

  • Stock Roku Devices: Partner with Roku distributors to stock a range of devices at multiple price points

  • Train Your Team: Ensure every employee can explain Roku devices, The Roku Channel's free content, and cord-cutting benefits

  • Create In-Store Displays: Showcase Roku devices with signage highlighting the 11 new free channels

  • Offer Setup Services: Provide free or low-cost setup assistance to differentiate your store

  • Bundle with 5G Home Internet: Create complete cord-cutting packages combining Roku + 5G home internet

  • Stock Accessories: Partner with accessories distributors to offer HDMI cables, remotes, soundbars, and smart home devices

  • Run Targeted Ads: Target cable and satellite TV customers with messaging about cord-cutting savings

  • Position as Streaming Expert: Market your store as the go-to destination for customers who want to ditch cable and save money

  
  

  The Bottom Line

  
  

  Roku's addition of 11 new free channels reinforces a powerful trend: traditional cable TV is dying, and streaming is the future. For wireless dealers, this represents a massive opportunity to capture customers fleeing expensive cable contracts, sell high-margin streaming devices and accessories, and build long-term customer relationships through bundling and education.

  
  

  By positioning yourself as a cord-cutting expert, stocking Roku devices, bundling with 5G home internet, and educating customers on free streaming alternatives, you'll win market share and build a sustainable business in the mobile-first, streaming-first future.

  
  

  Ready to stock Roku devices and start capturing cord-cutters? Explore the WDG Vendor Directory to connect with Roku distributors, Fire TV distributors, and accessories partners to build complete streaming solutions for your customers.