Sky or BT Vision

welshpet

Hi, I've got a predicament. I have both Sky+ and BT Vision. My husband watches Sky in the kitchen, and I use BT Vision to record my favourite programmes, and have my broadband and telephone charges on this account. I'm now considering cancelling one. At the moment, I'm thinking of cancelling the BT account in favour of Sky, and having my broadband and telephone services from them.
Any helpful recommendations would be gratefully appreciated, as my husband and I are both in our 60's and do watch a lot of the TV.

macman

Cancel BT Vison. It's pointless subscribing to BTV unless you want the on-demand content-other than that it's just a normal Freeview service. Then buy a Freeview PVR for recording purposes (I recommend the Humax 9300T).
This also has the additional benefit of meaning that you are no longer forced to subscribe to BT's overpriced broadband product.
Sky broadband is OK as long as you can get it LLU, do not sign up for the dire Sky Connect service (non-LLU).

welshpet

Thanks for the information, but what do you mean by 'Sky broadband is OK as long as you can get it LLU'?

macman

Local Loop Unbundled.
Sky offer UK-wide broadband, but only some exchanges are LLU-enabled for Sky. If yours is not then you will be offered Sky Connect, which is just a resold BT Wholesale service and much inferior.
Go to https://www.samknows.com and do an exchange search to see what LLU services are available on your exchange.

welshpet

I've checked with Sky about my land line and this is the answer they supplied:
Currently we estimate that the maximum download speed your line could support is 10 - 20Mb
Help
Great news - you're in a Sky Broadband network area, so you can choose from Sky Broadband Everyday Lite or Unlimited. You can also benefit from free evening and weekend UK* landline calls with Sky Talk and you'll save £5 per month on Sky Broadband with any Sky Talk calls package.
Does this mean that I will get the same internet service from them that I currently get from BT?

macman

So you're on a Sky LLU exchange. Fine.
The same internet service as BT?-I sincerely hope not!

welshpet

I must say though, in BT's defence, they have provided me with excellent service since I've been with them, and my internet/wireless broadband has been great. The reason I'm considering changing is that it would mean paying just the one bill each month.
Thanks for all you kind and helpful advice, I think that you've helped make up my mind and to opt for Sky as my main service provider for TV/Broadband and Telephone.

Inactive

welshpet wrote: »

I must say though, in BT's defence, they have provided me with excellent service since I've been with them, and my internet/wireless broadband has been great. The reason I'm considering changing is that it would mean paying just the one bill each month.
Thanks for all you kind and helpful advice, I think that you've helped make up my mind and to opt for Sky as my main service provider for TV/Broadband and Telephone.

Think carefully before handing your telephone line to Sky, it is not easy to get back, should the need arise.

macman

Correct, if you want to leave Sky you will have to go back to BT for 12m line rental on a 'return to donor', you cannot move direct from one LLU to another.

littleboo

welshpet wrote: »

I must say though, in BT's defence, they have provided me with excellent service since I've been with them, and my internet/wireless broadband has been great. The reason I'm considering changing is that it would mean paying just the one bill each month.
Thanks for all you kind and helpful advice, I think that you've helped make up my mind and to opt for Sky as my main service provider for TV/Broadband and Telephone.

Personally, I'm not convinced by the one bill argument, particularly if you are happy with the service. If you call BT and say you're thinking of leaving, they will almost certainly do you some sort of deal on broadband/phone price. You should also be able to have the BT Vison service subscription free unless you are in the minimun term of one of the viewing packages so you wont need to spend out on a replacement PVR.