Sky TV

[Glasgow44]

Hi guys


I’m looking for advice on a non-cycling related matter. I’m currently with Sky for my broadband, phone and TV. I’m happy with it and have had no problems. However, they are working out increasingly expensive and I’m looking to ditch the TV part at least although I’m looking at cheaper broadband/phone deals too (the Sky broadband is good but if I can get it cheaper and at the same standard, I would move).


Now this is the tricky bit! I’m not very clued up on these things. I don’t know my broadband speed but I only use it for browsing, banking and the odd movie on youtube.


Can anyone recommend an alternative to Sky TV (one without subscription) or one of those rolling contracts (not tied in) or a stick thingy (I told you I’m not clued up at all!).


Also, can anyone recommend a good broadband/phone provider too.


Thanks in advance for your advice.


J

 

[AndyRM]

http://www.nowtv.com

 

[vickster]

Virgin for me for BB/phone. I don't like ADSL (i.e. BT infrastructure)

You can test your speeds using speedtest.net - close all other browser windows

You can in the meantime ask Sky to look at your pricing, call retentions, tell them you want to save money or go elsewhere. Just don't commit to anything on a contract. I do this every 3 months or so...indeed they tell me when to call for new deals

You can always just look at which channels are in which package, see what you watch and cancel the rest (e.g. kids stuff if you're not one for cartoons etc)

 

[BoldonLad]

You could stay with Sky for broadband but ditch the TV package, one of my daughters is with sky for broadband and phone, and pays about £20/month, I believe.

We are with Talktalk (again, around £20/month) for Telephone and Broadband. Despite their dreadful customer service reputation, I have to say, in the 15 or more years we have been with them, we have not had a problem.

The TV package you choose depends on what you want to watch, if you are happy with Freeview (or Freesat) then you don't really need a "TV Package". You may need to buy a "box" to allow pause/record/catchup, depending on if these facilities are built in to your TV.

Depending on how desperate you are to save monthly costs, and your level of broadband usage, it may be possible to ditch the telephone aspect completely, (thus saving line rental) and rely on your mobile (with inclusive minutes), if you have one. Similarly, you could perhaps, switch to mobile broadband, either using a MiFi box, or, by tethering on your phone.

Before changing, I would suggest a phone call to Sky, and have a little haggle, on the basis that you are thinking of leaving, I would suspect, they will suddenly find you are entitled to a discount of some kind.

Good luck.

 

[Jody]

Before changing, I would suggest a phone call to Sky, and have a little haggle, on the basis that you are thinking of leaving, I would suspect, they will suddenly find you are entitled to a discount of some kind.

Good luck.

I was going to suggest this. When you advise them you are going to leave they will bend over backwards to retain your business. My partner did it last time but managed a cracking deal for another 12 months. Halved the bill and ended up with HD and unlimited fibre.

 

[vickster]

If you do end up switching, check quidco/top cashback for deals...and don;t forget to factor in installation fees...IIRC as an example Sky charge £60, Virgin maybe £40! Also see if the new provider offers and friend and family deals (I think my brother and I each got £50 off the next bill when I switched to Virgin)

 

[Beebo]

If you ditch Sky tv, then Netflix or amazon prime offer extensive programming for a fairly modest annual fee.

 

[cyberknight]

Phone them up threaten to cancel quoting that you can get betting prices for what you want on other packages and they will soon knock your bill down, i do it every time . reduced my bill by 30 % for 18 months.

 

[cyberknight]

Virgin for me for BB/phone. I don't like ADSL (i.e. BT infrastructure)

You can test your speeds using speedtest.net - close all other browser windows

You can in the meantime ask Sky to look at your pricing, call retentions, tell them you want to save money or go elsewhere. Just don't commit to anything on a contract. I do this every 3 months or so...indeed they tell me when to call for new deals

You can always just look at which channels are in which package, see what you watch and cancel the rest (e.g. kids stuff if you're not one for cartoons etc)

TMN to you
We cant get cable here so its fibre or nowt .

 

[LeetleGreyCells]

Until two weeks ago or so, I had phone, broadband and TV with Sky. I wanted to cancel Sky TV because the kids were the only ones to watch it. This I did. I kept the broadband and line rental as I was going to hunt for a better deal. At this point they were charging me £28.99 for the two services. Then four days later, I got a call from Sky offering to reduce my bill further (without having to take up TV, but agreeing to a 12-month contract) to £17.40 per month. I’m currently happy with this

 

[Milkfloat]

First thing is to work out your needs. Which channels do you need, which do you want and which don'y you care about. When you have finally worked out that you don't watch many of the premium channels, you can then just concentrate on Broadband. Assuming you don't live in the back of beyond you can then play each company off each other moving contract every year for the cheapest deal. www.hotukdeals.co.uk will let you know about good current deals or you can go directly to uswitch.com to compare packages.

 

[LeetleGreyCells]

First thing is to work out your needs. Which channels do you need, which do you want and which don'y you care about. When you have finally worked out that you don't watch many of the premium channels, you can then just concentrate on Broadband. Assuming you don't live in the back of beyond you can then play each company off each other moving contract every year for the cheapest deal. www.hotukdeals.co.uk will let you know about good current deals or you can go directly to uswitch.com to compare packages.

^^^ This plus check out the Martin Lewis website moneysavingexpert.com

 

[mjr]

Non subscription alternative to Sky? Isn't that Freesat?

 

[Milzy]

Get on Tech kings forum. Get everything for £55 a year.

 

[ColinJ]

Non subscription alternative to Sky? Isn't that Freesat?

Indeed! I am very happy with my Freesat service. For those of you who don't know, just replace the Sky box with a Freesat one - it will use the same dish.

You pick up good Humax Freesat recorders for under £200 - example. [PS if you buy from Richer Sounds - pay 10% extra for the 6 year warranty and get your money back if you don't use it.]