Movistar cuts garage tv, free tier arrives: a mixed bag for subscribers
Movistar Plus+ subscribers are facing a perplexing shift: the platform is simultaneously stripping away essential playback features while rolling out a free tier—and now, a beloved channel is disappearing entirely. The abrupt shuttering of Garage TV, a 24/7 motorsport channel, has left many fans scrambling for alternatives, raising questions about Movistar’s long-term content strategy.
The axing of a motorsport favorite
As of March 31, 2026, Garage TV will cease broadcasting, vacating dial 83 on Movistar Plus+. The channel, known for its comprehensive coverage of international racing events and daily motorsport news, becomes the latest casualty in a broader channel restructuring that began in February when the platform shifted from dial 79. A terse “End of Broadcast” message now greets viewers attempting to access it.
Movistar’s moderators are attempting to deflect blame, claiming the decision rests solely with Garage TV itself. “The Garage TV channel has concluded its broadcasts, therefore it is not possible to continue providing content from that channel,” one moderator stated. However, the channel will continue to exist via its website and on other platforms like DIGI TV, Euskaltel, and R—though access to those alternatives is already proving problematic for some subscribers of the latter two providers, suggesting a potentially wider, phased-out removal.
Free tier and feature cuts: a calculated risk?
The removal of Garage TV arrives alongside a new, free tier for Movistar Plus+, priced at €9.99 per month and offering access to series, movies, and football—a competitive move aimed at attracting new subscribers regardless of their existing operator. But this affordability comes at a cost. Users have reported the loss of key playback functionalities, creating a jarring experience and fueling subscriber frustration.
The situation mirrors ongoing challenges at DAZN, where the Formula 1 rights—once a flagship product—have seen a reported 49% audience decline. It’s a precarious moment for Movistar, suggesting a delicate balancing act between expanding its subscriber base and retaining its current user base through consistent value and reliable service. The loss of Garage TV, coupled with the degraded user experience, risks alienating loyal viewers and undermining the perceived benefit of the new free tier. The platform’s future hinges on its ability to address these concerns and deliver on its promise of accessible, high-quality Entertainment.