Sky TV and my father-in-law...

[Deleted User]

I visited my father-in-law a couple of weeks ago, and he asked me to help nim consolidate his Sky TV bill, as he felt he was paying a bit much.
Now, I have to explain he's a bit of a technophobe and wants TV on a single telly in the lounge and internet for his computer upstairs. He's had a contract with Sky for over 2 years and his bill has crept up to £120 per month, including line rental and broadband. I thought I'd have a good chance of haggling with them!
He was offered a discount of £11, but the 'customer support' guy couldn't be less helpful if he tried. The upshot being he reduced the TV package to the bare minimum and decided, as they were a bit cheaper, to change his line rental and broadband to BT, but it's still nearly £80 per month.
Although this might not seem too bad, I returned to Sky not two weeks earlier and was given a 60% discount on my TV package (I've got BT line rental and broadband). I've got multi-room, HD, Sky Go Extra and Sky Movies for £28 per month.
Can someone explain how these deals can be so different, please?

[Deleted User]

Because you (or your dad) accepted the offer too soon, presumably reducing his package tied him to a new contract? If not cancel down and wait for the offers or contact live chat. If he's already taken the BT phone/BB then he's probably tied into them for now.

Giving full details of the packages he's on and any minimum terms would help people to advise better.

Owain_Moneysaver

What does he actually watch on Sky TV - Freeview or Freesat may be perfectly adequate if he doesn't watch a lot of sports or movies. And there are options like a NowTV box for some extra channels at a lot less than a Sky package.

[Deleted User]

Good points, guys. I'll get the details and post back.

He does want to keep Sky because of Sky Atlantic and Sky Arts, and Freeview isn't really an option because his existing TV aerial is rubbish and he doesn't want an external aerial fitted - and there appears to be an issue getting digital reception in Seaford (apparently).

19lottie82

like yourself, I don't understand why your FILs bill is still at £80 if it's been stripped back to basic TV. Can you get his login details and check his online account? That will detail what charges his bill is made up of.

[Deleted User]

@Nightowl4933

Sky's latest offer for the bare minimum TV only package is just £10 a month (normal price £20) with a one off fee of £15 for installation of the dish and Q box so I'd still love to know what they're charging your father-in-law £80 for, let alone the original £120 a month.

Edit: Just realised the new Sky offers are for a minimum 18 month term with the discount only applying to the first 12 months. That works out to £13.33 a month over the 18 month term, still a good deal.

teddysmum

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

@Nightowl4933

Sky's latest offer for the bare minimum TV only package is just £10 a month (normal price £20) with a one off fee of £15 for installation of the dish and Q box so I'd still love to know what they're charging your father-in-law £80 for, let alone the original £120 a month.

Edit: Just realised the new Sky offers are for a minimum 18 month term with the discount only applying to the first 12 months. That works out to £13.33 a month over the 18 month term, still a good deal.

Sky's descriptions are sometimes vague, so I wonder whether the 18 months refers to including the fibre broadband. However, as an existing or haggling ex-customer the 18 months could be a bargaining point (especially if you are unable to receive fibre).

teddysmum

19lottie82 wrote: »

like yourself, I don't understand why your FILs bill is still at £80 if it's been stripped back to basic TV.

I agree, as just over £80 is the full price for Boxed sets with Sport and Cinema. (£38+£27.50+£18=£83.50). However as the (only)current offer is half price Cinema for 6 months, this would reduce to £74 (ie just under £80). Whichever way, it's a poor deal.