Have you moved away from Sky? Where did you go?

Sponge

I'm looking into home phone and broadband packages on behalf of my mother in law and it's turning out to be rather more complicated than I thought it would.

She currently has all three services via Sky.

There was initially no BT phone line in her home. (She was on cable.) So Sky (BT Open Reach) got one installed.

It would appear that as Sky 'own' the line, online switching is off the cards for most providers. (I'm trying to get cashback.) Entering her phone number into the forms results in various errors and requests to telephone them.

O2's online transfer seems like it might work, but there will be a £43 fee to 'convert' the phone line. Although the current £80 cashback (TCB) will off-set this. (Annoyingly, it was £100 the other week.)

TalkTalk has to be done over the phone and although they have said they'll waive the £50 connection fee (they actually said a new line will have to be installed) their charges for rental, calls and broadband are higher than those quoted online. Factor in the loss of cashback, losing her number and they're no longer a good option.

I've just been looking at Orange, but again, the form doesn't like her phone number and requests a call be made. This would then result in the loss of (potential) cashback. Having said that, TopCashBack might come to the rescue as going via them is actually over the phone, not online. Unfortunately, without calling Orange I do not know if they levy any extra charges for converting the line (such as O2).

I'm interested in hearing from people that have ditched Sky and where they went and how much it cost. I'm looking to save the mil £ :money:

On a more personal note. Will I have the same problems if/when I decide to ditch O2?

macman

Any switch from one LLU direct to another is difficult and may not be possible at all. You may find that the supplier is simply doing what TT told you they would do and instaling a new line.
If the 02 service is full LLU, then yes the same issue may arise in future.
The way to avoid any extra charges is to do a return to donor back to BT,, this is free but requires a 12m line rental contract with them.
Of the 3 providers you mention, O2 is by far the best as long as it's LLU-both Orange and TT have dire CS. Orange is no longer offering LLU services.
Have you tried getting a better deal from Sky via retentions? Ask for your MAC and see what they offer.

Sponge

My mil was offered a deal by Sky when she called to cancel. I don't have the details, but she wasn't interested in it. So the contract has been cancelled.

I've already sorted out a Humax Freesat recorder/receiver, so TV is done. Now she needs home phone & broadband...

Tesco are in the lead at the moment. I emailed them and specifically asked if there would be an extra, 'hidden' fee for taking over Sky's line, they said no.

If you are eligible for the Tesco Broadband and Home Phone bundle package, we would transfer the service using the same telephone number.

Tesco do not charge a setup fee for the 18 month contract but on the 12 month contract, there is a £40 set-up fee.

In order for a line test to be carried out, we would require your telephone number and first line of address including post-code. Alternatively, you can carry out the line check at www.tescobroadband.com.

I hope this helps with your enquiry.

I'll be suggesting she goes for the 18 month option to get the £40 fee waived. With topcashback & 12 months half price, it's the best I can find so far.

macman

Tesco is just a resold BT Wholesale service, so the problematic issue of LLU to LLU transfers does not arise.

Sponge

Nice to know. Thanks.

I've been looking at options for a week now and have had my fill. So Tesco here I, she, comes.