Sky charging me for not using Sky Talk

Systrale

I used to be an O2 broadband customer, which is now Sky.

Sky are now charging me a monthly £5 "Supplement for not having Sky Talk" because I still use my BT line. I don't want to change telephone providers as I'm only calling 0844 numbers which are 1p with BT and 4p with Sky.

Can they really punish me for not using their service? Their explanation is that they charge me because broadband needs to go through the telephone line.

Thanks

HappyMJ

Yes they can.

You can switch providers and keep your number if you do not agree and are out of contract.

mije1983

Systrale wrote: »

I don't want to change telephone providers as I'm only calling 0844 numbers which are 1p with BT and 4p with Sky.

Change broadband supplier then, or don't, and pay what Sky ask for the service.

jbuchanangb

Why would anyone call 0844 numbers? Don't you make an effort to look for an alternative non-premium number?
http://www.saynoto0870.com/

macman

This cunning Sky surcharge (similar to the one they asked me to pay for 'not having Sky TV') is invariably negotiable off your bill once you are out of minimum term and in a position to dictate the terms.
I'm fully expecting at some point to be surcharged by them for £5 a month for 'not buying The Sun'...
Ex o2 customers are unlikely to get any special deals, as they'll all have been Sky customers for over 12 months now (most of us on highly discounted tariffs), and now Sky see it as payback time.

Ian011

Systrale wrote: »

I don't want to change telephone providers as I'm only calling 0844 numbers which are 1p with BT and 4p with Sky.

I guess you are calling instant-access subscription-free international dial-through numbers.

The cost of calling 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers is changing on 1 July 2015. The change applies to all landline and mobile providers.

Additionally, regulations which cap BT's retail call charges for 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers will end on the same date. Those regulations directly led to much of the current confusion with call costs. BT's retail prices for 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers vary from all other networks.

You'll need to review your options. You may be better off finding an international dial-through service with an 03 number or an 080 number. The international leg of the call is paid in a different way, not through the Service Charge incurred with an 084, 087 or 09 call. The benefits are that 03 calls can be inclusive from landlines and from mobiles and 080 calls are free from landlines and, from 1 July 2015, will also be free from mobiles.


See also:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5219071