Sky V Virgin Media

rachy86

Hi Guys,

I've currently got my TV with sky, and broadband and phone with Virgin Media.
Pay £30.50 for Sky tv including the HD sub, and £23 for phone line and 10mb internet with VM.

The reason for my post is that I'm considering moving the phone and BB to Sky and I was wondering what everyones experiences with Sky for these services are?

The saving wouldn't be much from moving, I was quoted £21 for the phone line and unlimited internet. I tried to push for a discount but didn't have any luck. Do sky give discounts? Also I tried to find out all the costs involved, but the chap I spoke to didn't seem too sure what he was talking about - I think he may have been new, as he had to "check" if they could give discounts. There's a BT line in the house, but I'm not sure if I would have to pay to start using it again. any ideas anyone?

I'm going to ring VM over the weekend and see if they would be prepared to offer any discounts if I stay with them.

I'm actually pretty happy with my services as it is, I'm just trying to see if I can save a couple of quid here and there as it all comes in handy

Thanks guys! xx

wdyw

£30 for Tv to Sky sounds like one or two mixes plus the hd box. For the same/similar with Virgin it would be their XL package for £21.50 which for us is a better station selection as it includes ESPN. downside is virgin MIGHT want £49 for their V+ box. going the other way, Sky are currently enticing people with free phone rental for a year saving £11 a month ...but as their BB is through ASDL what is the coverage like in your area (assuming your virgin BB is via cable)?

£23 for BB + phone through virgin will be reduced if you threaten to leave to around the £20 mark (same assumptions as above and DD with ebilling)

Swings and roundabouts!!

rachy86

Thanks for your reply wdyw.

I did have TV with VM initially, but after two boxes and numerous problems we gave up and got Sky - not had any probs since then. In a 12 month contract with Sky for another 3 months or so so we are stuck with TV from then for a bit longer regardless.

interesting about the free line rental with sky phone - i'll definately mention that to them when i call again! (and hopefully speak to somebody with a bit more info this time!).

how do i find out what my ASDL coverage is like? sorry if this is already asked on the forum somewhere, i haven't searched yet but i will do after i post this!

penrhyn

ADSL coverage, if you have a BT line put your number into the Sky broadband site.
If not use the Samknows exchange search and look for Sky/Easynet LLU.

rachy86

Thanks guys. I just used the samknows site and it said i'm 1.61km from the exchange (in a straight line), and it says Sky Broadband / Easynet is available in your area - but it doesnt give a speed

don't know if its relevant but this is what is says for BT ADSL:
According to BT Wholesale, houses at your postcode should be able to support a 4Mbps or greater ADSL connection via ADSL Max.

penrhyn

Try the exchange mapping feature.

rachy86

ah great thanks. did that and this is what it says:

ADSL available at ~4.5Mbps
BT Total broadband
TalkTalk LLU (8M is free)
Sky LLU (2M is free, 8M is £5pm)
AOL LLU (£10pm discount)
Pipex broadband
Plusnet broadband
Tiscali broadband
And many more...
ADSL2+ available at ~5Mbps
UK Online (incl 20M packages)
Sky Max (LLU) (16M for £10pcm)
Cable services available

parallax_20

Bear in mind that if you don't already have a BT line installed or need it re-activated, BT may charge you a connection fee of around £124. Some people have reported that Sky will stump this up on your behalf, but not sure how common this is. So add that to your total overall costs.

I'm in the process of moving over to VM for broadband as I can't get anything more than 1.5Mbs from ADSL, so the extra 2-3 quid a month for the 10Mbs, outweighs the slight cost difference. But you do have more options on ADSL ISP's which you don't with cable.

I would say... if you aren't having problems with VM and are happy with their service for broadband, call their retention department and see if you can give you a discount. Otherwise for £25 a month, I would suggest you get their triple package which includes basic TV. At least then you're getting more for your money and an alternative choice for TV when there nothing on Sky. i.e. BBC iplayer, etc.

Good luck.