Free access to the Australian Christian Channel will end this month, after the regulator ACMA pulled the plug on the six-year trial of datacasting in Sydney.

Competition from internet-based services is the likely reason the Government no longer believes broadcasters will pay for datacast licences in the future.

"As there is no likelihood of an auction of long-term licences for datacasting in the near future, the ACMA has decided the rationale for continuing a trial of such services no longer exists," ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said.

Bishop Robert Forsyth, chairman of Anglican Media, said he was "disappointed" by the decision.

"Among the audience for the Christian Channel are many who cannot afford pay TV and now will lose access to the service. I hope the minister… can find a way to extend the trial indefinitely."