Cancelling Sky and using Freeview

[Deleted User]

Hi all

We don't watch a lot of TV these days, so Sky's packages make even less sense financially than when we used to watch less than 10% of the channels they offer.

I've read in the media (Telegraph earlier this year, plus other money-saving websites) that it can be extremely difficult to ditch Sky.

I plan to follow the letter of the law in terms of what they say I need to do, plus keep evidence of contact with them, and if necessary, cancel my direct debit after the 31 days so they can't take any more of our money than they're entitled to.

I'd welcome the wisdom of members' experiences and tips.

Thanks

Chris

Heinz

They certainly try to retain subscribers by keeping them on the phone when they ring to cancel - but, if you stick to your guns and start the 31 days notice period, you will then only get offers of discounts to try to keep you.

tracey3596

As said earlier, just stick to your guns.
My contract finishes 21st August and cancellation - though a little lengthy - went okay, PLUS I got email AND written confirmation.
I did my cancellation like this:

1 - cancel online. It will give you a 'phone # & tell you that they will 'phone. The probability is that they won't.
2 - after a day or two, phone up - NOT the "cancellation #" they gave you; I don't think anyone ever answers that. Phone customer services & ask to transfer to Cancellations.
3 - here you HAVE to be firm. They'll offer you all kinds of incentives SO - if you're sure you want to cancel - stick to your guns. They'll leave you on hold a while, to "process the request" or some-such.
4 - finally, they will confirm cancellation; give you a "switch-off" date and tell you your last debit ammount and date. Oh, PLUS give you more "blurb" about cancelling and so on.

So it CAN be done.
HTH

jessmist

I just rang and said i wanted to cancel.
The lady on the phone kept on telling me how good sky was but never offered me any discount.
In the end she confirmed my 31 days notice gave me the date that the tv service would be switched off.
A couple of days later i did receive a call offering me 20% off but i just confirmed i wanted to cancel.
I received my final bill after the service was stopped.
So it wasn't really a lot of hassle cancelling.

lammy82

And finally, when you cancel, your Sky subscription card will become a 'Freesat from Sky' card, which means you can continue watching all the 'free' channels through your existing set-up.

If you have Sky+, you'll lose the ability to record, and you won't be able to play back existing recordings, either.

I just mention this because you refer to Freeview in your post, but almost all the Freeview channels plus a few extra ones will be available to you through the Sky box.

[Deleted User]

lammy82 wrote: »

you refer to Freeview in your post,

No one mentions Freeview in this thread?

SailorSam

I don't watch a lot of Tv but i have Freeview in the lounge and Freesat in the back kitchen. There are one or two channels that are different, if i had to choose i'd say the Freeview is better but there's not much in it.

Cherokeebluesome

Re: Monetineptitude's post. Sorry, but the clue IS in the OP's title.

ariba10

There are more channels available on Freesat than there are on Freeview.

We have both, but have never had anything from Sky.

do_i_give_up

[quote=[Deleted User];discussion/5035461]Hi all

We don't watch a lot of TV these days, so Sky's packages make even less sense financially than when we used to watch less than 10% of the channels they offer.

I've read in the media (Telegraph earlier this year, plus other money-saving websites) that it can be extremely difficult to ditch Sky.

I plan to follow the letter of the law in terms of what they say I need to do, plus keep evidence of contact with them, and if necessary, cancel my direct debit after the 31 days so they can't take any more of our money than they're entitled to.

I'd welcome the wisdom of members' experiences and tips.

Thanks

Chris[/QUOTE]


As long as you are outside any contract with them they will try and ask you to stay (after all they are a business and alot of customer issues can be resolved) They may make a concessional offer (be aware some offers do have new contracts to them ) they may apply a 31 days notice to cancel but be aware also cancelling your direct debit will not cancel your sky subsription and if they are missed payments this can effect your credit rating if passed on to debt collection agencies. Also good to remember the people answering your call are only trying to do their job and not to take any prolonged questions or silences as anything personal. Be firm that you wish to leave but would come back if your circumstances changed eg you were to watch more also make sure that you dont use any of the services like pause rewind record even on the free to air channels and any programmes you do have recorded are watched as you will not get access to them after wards..

if you need to know more indepth workings of it PM me.

do_i_give_up

SailorSam wrote: »

I don't watch a lot of Tv but i have Freeview in the lounge and Freesat in the back kitchen. There are one or two channels that are different, if i had to choose i'd say the Freeview is better but there's not much in it.

there are numerous options freeview freesat freesat from sky (previous subscribers with valid viewing card) FTA (free to air) its really dependant on what you watch and want to see and how you used services in the past (eg recording facilities) its all about choice..... theres also alot online and smart TVs can give you access as long as you have a good internet connection and speed but onus is on you to find them and to make sure they are legal :cool: