What are the best phone and broadband packages?

wishuponastar

Hi all,


I'm needing some advice about broadband and phone packages.


I'm currently with Sky and my first 12 months is due to come to an end shortly (just over 1 months time). I called them today and they told me that it was too early and so they couldn't see what offers were available to me. I'm trying to arrange it with some notice so I don't get caught out and have to rush around at the last minute as I know previously when I changed providers I was without internet and phone for about 1 month. (Long story). So I'm trying to avoid the same again.


I said if the price after my 12 months couldn't be reduced (from about £27 for the basic line rental and basic broadband not fibre) then I'd want to look elsewhere to see what their price is.


They said that I can do that and they would match any competitor, however, the best deals I've found are offers that include vouchers so I'm not sure if sky would match these.


Does anyone know of any good deals for broadband and phone only?


Also, are there any companies that offer broadband only, without needing a phone line? (as I only have the phone for broadband).


Thanks in advance.

penrhyn

ADSL broadband is delivered over the phone line, so unless you can get cable you are stuck with paying line rental.
Sky unlimited ADSL broadband is £7.50 ( for TV Customers)plus line rental.
Phone up for a MAC get put through to retentions and you'll get the best offers.

teddysmum

As you are paying the full price for a no tv customer's line and broadband, you have nothing to lose by going up to two weeks before the end of your 12 months and then presenting them with offers from elsewhere (have actual figures and not vague references to others being cheaper).


I was on a free broadband offer (free tv , too but that had to be cancelled 4 weeks before the end of the 12 months), waited until two weeks to go (reasoning that I may have to pay a few days at full price, if I moved) and after two calls got free line rental.(ie £15 for broadband and anytime calls; £12.50 when I opted to reinstate tv).

wishuponastar

penrhyn wrote: »

ADSL broadband is delivered over the phone line, so unless you can get cable you are stuck with paying line rental.
Sky unlimited ADSL broadband is £7.50 ( for TV Customers)plus line rental.
Phone up for a MAC get put through to retentions and you'll get the best offers.

Thanks, it all sounds pretty technical. Sadly I don't have cable so looks like I'm stuck paying line rental.


I was told today that I would need to give the new provider my telephone number, if I did decide to leave Sky.


I'm unsure what a MAC does though? Any tips? Just so I can know why I'm asking for it.

wishuponastar

teddysmum wrote: »

I was on a free broadband offer (free tv , too but that had to be cancelled 4 weeks before the end of the 12 months), waited until two weeks to go (reasoning that I may have to pay a few days at full price, if I moved) and after two calls got free line rental.(ie £15 for broadband and anytime calls; £12.50 when I opted to reinstate tv).

That is a good deal, well done. I hope I get the same person that helped you.


Any advice as to what they might likely say on the phone? Did they only offer the deal to you on the second call? or both calls?

wishuponastar

Are retentions team the same as cancellations team?

penrhyn

Migration Authorisation Code.
Yes same dept

wishuponastar

penrhyn wrote: »

Migration Authorisation Code

What does it do? i.e. why am I asking for it?


Is it if I want to change phone number if I were to change providers? as sky told me all I need to do is give the phone number if I want to keep it the same.

parttimeskint

wishuponastar wrote: »

What does it do? i.e. why am I asking for it?


Is it if I want to change phone number if I were to change providers? as sky told me all I need to do is give the phone number if I want to keep it the same.

You use a MAC to transfer broadband service from one provider to another. With sky though, if you are on Skys own equipment in the exchange, you wont need one and they wouldn't be able to provide one.


If you spoke to their cancellations department and they told you that you just need to contact the other provider then that's probably the case.


If you want to keep your number then you have to keep the service active with sky and get your new provider to take it over. If you aren't bothered then call sky and place a Cancellation but I would contact another provider first to see what their provisioning times are like and arrange one to start as the other finishes. This will happen naturally if you port the number.


Also, when you do call them back, if they say an offer is available you like then get them to apply it there and then as all offers are point of call offers with sky and can change anytime. So may not be available in a months time, a weeks time, or an hours time.

wishuponastar

parttimeskint wrote: »

You use a MAC to transfer broadband service from one provider to another. With sky though, if you are on Skys own equipment in the exchange, you wont need one and they wouldn't be able to provide one.

Thanks parttimeskint.


I've got a router that was sent from Sky so does that mean I'm on their equipment and won't need a MAC?

parttimeskint

No. all sky broadband customers have a sky branded router, except possibly those who were bought over last year from O2 and BE.


If the CS said you just need to contact the new supplier then I'm pretty sure you will be on their equipment.


Phone them and ask if you need a MAC to change supplier see what they say and see what they offer.