Can I be forced to continue paying for sky tv

lemondrizzlecake

Hello, I cancelled my sky tv package on the 1st Feb and was told I had to give 31 days notice. I had to cancel my direct debit at the beginning of the month as I could not afford it at the time. I have just reinstated the direct debit and paid the arrears in full. I've just been told however that I have to start the whole cancellation process again and give another 31 days notice. Can they do this? I'm so upset. It's endless. I hate sky ra ra ra ra

Buzby

Did you provide the notice of termination in writing, or by phone? If the latter, then yes - if they cannot make a payment by collecting from your bank, any changes to your package (including cancellatiion) is voided by the system, and you have to start again.

However, if you put your cancellation in writing, this issue doesn't arise - as you've formally terminated as required under contract. I agree it's unfair - but if you have it all in writing, you are always in a stronger position.

Kurtis_Blue

Wether by Phone or post makes no difference, in fact Sky actively advertise the telephone as the preferred method, for obvious reasons.

If it was me I would clear what is owing and send a recorded stating your position letting them know you will be more than happy to have your day in court.

They will probably send the file to debt collection but they are easy to deal with.

Buzby

It makes a considerable difference Mr B. Then you go on to suggest a RD letter to 'state your position'? My point, which you appear to embrace, is that with a paper trail the power is back with the customer. If you cancel by phone, and Sky cancels the cancellation - what have you got to prove you did it? Absolutely nothing.

lemondrizzlecake

Thanks for your advice.. In the end I spent about 2 hours on instant chat and phone and they have agreed to reimburse the two weeks' extra tv. It all got very confusing in the end and it seems that although they had a record of my conversation about cancelling, they hadn't actually cancelled the tv package. It was nothing to do with the non payment after all.

I had to cancel by phone. They do not allow you to do it by "chat" (and obviously you can do it by post/email).

The most annoying part was that every person I spoke to interrogated me for at least 10 minutes about my reasons for cancelling...They would not accept saving money or trying to create more space in my life for other things... in the end the only reason that they found acceptable was that my tv had broken and I am not getting a new one.

Thanks for your help