From April, Sky’s TV and broadband customers can expect to pay more for their services. But unlike other companies, some of Sky’s customers will be able to cancel without paying early termination fees.
- 6.2% increase is more than double the current 2.5% inflation rate
- Follows inflation-busting hikes from rival companies which have disproportionately affected some customers
- Unlike other providers, Sky isn’t currently building in Pounds and Pence increases into its contracts.
Sky has confirmed how it intends to increase prices from April, with each customer to receive a detailed email breakdown of how their package is changing in price.
All services, apart from its social broadband, Essential TV and mobile tariffs, will be increasing in price. The average increase will be 6.2%, with clear variations depending on which services you take.
The increase will be more than double the current CPI rate of inflation, which is currently at 2.5%. However, Sky will also be informing customers how they can cancel if they’re unhappy at the rise.
Fairer deal than rivals, despite the rise?
However, rival providers have in some cases made bigger percentage increases. Companies including Vodafone, EE and Virgin Media have made flat Pound and Pence increases across the board, meaning the price rises are greater in terms of percentage on cheaper bundles. Those on premium bundles will see smaller percentage increases.
This follows the introduction of Ofcom rules forcing telecoms and pay TV companies to state built-in price rises during the contract in Pounds and Pence. The new rules outlaw the previous practice of adding 3.9% to the rate of inflation.
However, the new Ofcom rules don’t apply to Sky, because it doesn’t apply increases this way.
Who can cancel Sky penalty-free?
Rather than building in fixed price rises, Sky simply says that ‘prices may rise’ during the contract period. As a result of this, when prices do rise, some customers on broadband and talk packages can request to leave without paying an early termination fee. This is in contrast to rivals such as Virgin Media, who have in recent years increased termination fees.
However, a Sky spokesperson confirmed to RXTV that TV packages can’t be cancelled on a free basis, unless a customer purchased their broadband and TV package together at the same time. For customers in this particular situation, you have 30 days to cancel.
Devesh Raj, Chief Operating Officer, Sky told customers:
This April, we will be introducing some changes to prices of Sky’s TV and broadband products. I wanted to take this opportunity to explain to our customers why this decision is necessary and why we’re always committed to offering you excellent value.
At Sky, everything we do is focused on bringing people the joy of a better experience. Whether it’s award-winning content, world-class sports coverage, or reliable broadband, we strive to provide an offering that sets us apart. I’m proud to say we’ve invested heavily over the last twelve months, so our customers now have access to more than ever before.
This continued investment to deliver the best and most reliable products, along with increased supplier costs, means most of our TV and broadband customers will see a change in their price this year. But we’ve made every effort to minimise the financial impact to you.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Collage/Sky logo (C) Sky UK Ltd | Updated: 15:29