Sky buyout of O2 Broadband

Sui_Generis

I may be one of the few people in the country who has never had any form of deal with Sky until they bought out O2. Now I'm trying to get my head around the change in charges so perhaps you guys can help me understand?

With O2 I had BB for £6.50/m because of a family phone being on O2. Suddenly the cost has gone up to £7.50/m but it doesn't end there. Apparently I now also have to pay for NOT having Sky services? Of course it would be too simple to describe these as CHARGES so they seem to be labelled SUPPLEMENT? Or am I mistaken?

It seems I'm being charged a further £7.50/m for not taking services I've never had (Talk & TV) is that correct? Can I stop these additional charges?

Before getting this invoice a few minutes ago I spoke to Sky this morning where they offered me a 12 month contract with £75 credit and they said I could cancel in 2 months and effectively pay nothing for the service. On the principle if it sounds took good &c, I declined but they made no mention of charges for NOT taking their services.

I'd like to change but expect to move in the next two months, is a move to another provider practical/advisable and dare I say cheaper?

Thanks for any explanation and advice.

Quentin

Are you sure they are charging you £15 altogether?

The "standard" total price they charge for o2 customers migrating over without any tie in (which it seems the position you are in) is £7.50/month for the first year. (That "includes" the £7.50 they charge for not being a sky customer for any other sky service.)

If you are moving, then before taking Sky up on any deal, check what is available at your new address (there may be a better deal available with another isp, and most isp's do offers to new customers.

If you are tempted by the Sky offer of entering a 12 month deal and getting it free for 2 months then cancelling you need to get it in writing that you can cancel after 2 months without paying anything before signing up!

Sui_Generis

Quentin wrote: »

Are you sure they are charging you £15 altogether?

The "standard" total price they charge for o2 customers migrating over without any tie in (which it seems the position you are in) is £7.50/month for the first year. (That "includes" the £7.50 they charge for not being a sky customer for any other sky service.)

If you are moving, then before taking Sky up on any deal, check what is available at your new address (there may be a better deal available with another isp, and most isp's do offers to new customers.

If you are tempted by the Sky offer of entering a 12 month deal and getting it free for 2 months then cancelling you need to get it in writing that you can cancel after 2 months without paying anything before signing up!

I believe so - I had a bill from O2 for an odd amount in the morning and just before bed another from Sky. In total for the *same* period (slight difference because of extra days) my bill for broadband has jumped from £6.50/m to £15/m. The Sky bill has £0 for BB and only the charges (Talk&Movies) which add to £7.50/m in addition to the O2 one which has mysteriously changed from £6.50 to £7.50 a few days before the end of the period. The actual sum for both is £20.77 (slight change in billing dates) but add up to ~£15 between the two bills per month. Thoroughly confused.

Years of trouble free use at O2 evaporate at First Contact with Sky. Such irony.

Thanks for the "in writing" advice. Is it correct that I could refuse to transfer to Sky? That's not something that O2 suggested when I spoke to them last year?

Quentin

Sui_Generis wrote: »

Is it correct that I could refuse to transfer to Sky? That's not something that O2 suggested when I spoke to them last year?

They should have given you (plenty) of notice (by letter) that you were being migrated over to Sky., and at that time offer to delay the migration if you wanted to stay with o2 as long as possible.

It sounds from what you say the migration has taken place.

If so, although it looks too late to stop the migration, you aren't in a fixed contract and can simply give them 30 days notice and move on.

Sui_Generis

I think its time to look for an alternative, thanks for the feedback.

jem16

Sui_Generis wrote: »

I believe so - I had a bill from O2 for an odd amount in the morning and just before bed another from Sky. In total for the *same* period (slight difference because of extra days) my bill for broadband has jumped from £6.50/m to £15/m.

You shouldn't have a bill from O2 and from Sky for the same period. If Sky are now charging you then O2 should not be.

The Sky bill has £0 for BB and only the charges (Talk&Movies) which add to £7.50/m

That sounds about right. Most people who were migrated over were getting one year's free BB with Sky. If you did not have Sky TV or Sky Talk you would have supplements of £7.50 to add on.

Your total bill would therefore be £7.50pm.

in addition to the O2 one which has mysteriously changed from £6.50 to £7.50 a few days before the end of the period. The actual sum for both is £20.77 (slight change in billing dates) but add up to ~£15 between the two bills per month. Thoroughly confused.

This is the bit you need to clarify. You will not be charged twice for exactly the same billing period. Only one amount should be taken and quite probably still under the old O2 DD as you migrated.

Years of trouble free use at O2 evaporate at First Contact with Sky. Such irony.

Not really. I suspect it's just the changeover.

Thanks for the "in writing" advice. Is it correct that I could refuse to transfer to Sky? That's not something that O2 suggested when I spoke to them last year?

It would have been possible to ask to be migrated last and possibly then put off. However I think they're nearing the end of that now. Sounds like you have migrated now anyway so probably immaterial.

Perhaps contact Sky via the old original O2 0800 contact number and find out what is going on.

Starbrite

uddin_1995 wrote: »

I was going to say the same hours ago but didnt no how to put it!

Yes you could have gotten better offers. E.g. Plusnet are doing unlimited telephone and broadband for a quid more! You have 14 days cooling off period if you do change your mind.

I officially Hate Sky more now than I did 24 hours ago, on hold to get my MAC Code from them...

Turns out they can't do the £12.50 a mth deal anymore I was informed this offer is no longer running. I then asked for my MAC Code to which I was informed I need to be transfered, she's just told me I will be charged a cancellation charge!! Yet I only agreed to the £17.50 a mth deal less than 24 hours ago....

Currently on hold thinking !!!! I need to find a new ISP provider and fast!!!

Starbrite

I now have...

£15.40 Line Rental, Free Unlimited BB, weekend and evening calls, £75 Credit and the £2.50 per mth charge for not having the TV packages removed!

Shame the £12.50 a mth deal is no longer available, expired 8 weeks ago so I'm told. £15.40 a mth isn't so bad

Must find a new ISP provider for 2015.... Any suggestions?

jem16

Starbrite wrote: »

Shame the £12.50 a mth deal is no longer available, expired 8 weeks ago so I'm told.

Not true - offered here on 17th January. BB for £7.50pm, free Line Rental and £75 credit. Add £5pm for Anytime UK and you get the £12.50 deal.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=64408530&postcount=819

At least you've got a bit off.

deutsch

I have agreed with 02 for free broadband for a year and £100 M&S vouchers and Sky have sent their first bill charging me!!!

Almost 6 YEARS of loyalty to 02 and Sky migration is already a shambles.

Do Sky have to honour the annual tie in contract?