Totally stuck for a broadband and (possibly) TV solution

sterling30

I've tried hard to consider what to do but I've hit a brick wall.

I've been with Virgin Media for a long time. They provide me with a Bigger Bundle’, since known as ‘Legacy’:

• TV: Mixit package (no add-on packages). Two V6 boxes (one in lounge, one in guest room).
  
• Broadband (M350)
• Phone line.
  

I'm 'out of contract'.

I'm paying £88.75 +VAT = £106.50

I do not want to pay this much each month. I need to make a considerable saving. What to do?

My TV is not a 'smart TV'.

The virgin package allows me to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime (separate subscriptions).

I must have broadband.

I don't need a landline.

The second Tivo box isn't critical.

I'm considering not having the TV service as I think it's a waste of money as we hardly watch anything - I'm happy to give up watching BT Sport football and footy highlights. MY GF is just about accepting not watching Movies24. That's pretty much all we watch on TV. I'd be extremely happy to cancel my TV Licence!

We mostly watch Netflix and Prime and have the ability to watch on the TV through my laptop if necessary, but this is no way as efficient as being able to use the remote control and watch these streaming services directly from the TV.

I have the Virgin router switched to modem mode which is running through an Apple Airport Extreme.

Overall the setup is great. It's just too expensive.

I've tried speaking to VM several times but they are completely hopeless. Promising to call me back with 'black Friday offer' etc. but didn't. They have hinted about a package for £62 (+vat), with TV called Maxit and 250MB broadband, but it would need an 18 month contract. I'm not happy about that. They are currently offering loads of much cheaper deals for the first year but in order for me (an existing customer) to have one I would have to cancel my agreement and not re-join for a month or two (can't remember which). Being without TV for that time wouldn't be an issue but I have to have broadband.

All other favourably priced deals seem to come with long contracts. I look at these on MoneySavingExpert now and then.

There is never a mention of what hardware would need to be installed or cables, holes in the wall etc. etc. Is no one ever bothered by that? I am. All my cables and equipments is hidden away neatly and perfectly organised. What would for instance moving to Sky, 3 or EE involve? What about my Apple Airport? I'm frightened to have to 'start over' if you see what I mean.

I haven't even considered other solutions like Freesat, Freebox or whatever.

In truth I find the whole thing a complete head f***.

Thanks for any advice.

Neil_Jones

Easiest solution here if you want to keep Netflix/Prime but you don't want the TV is to get a Fire stick or a Roku or something like that.  These will make your TV "smart".  If you can put up with Freeview only channels then just cancel the TV package.

MikeJXE

Neil_Jones said:

Easiest solution here if you want to keep Netflix/Prime but you don't want the TV is to get a Fire stick or a Roku or something like that.  These will make your TV "smart".  If you can put up with Freeview only channels then just cancel the TV package.

You beat me too it, I was going to suggest Firestick 

sterling30

Neil_Jones said:

If you can put up with Freeview only channels then just cancel the TV package.

Neil can you please clarify the point you made above? Are you suggesting that I cancel VM TV package, get a firestick, and then I would "put up with Freeview channels" via the Firestick? What would I then do about Broadband?

baser999

I use the Firestick (a one off cost) then Sky provide broadband and landline. Netflix BT Sport etc can be bought separately. 

Going to be a lot cheaper than what you’re presently paying

Neil_Jones

sterling30 said:

Neil_Jones said:

If you can put up with Freeview only channels then just cancel the TV package.

Neil can you please clarify the point you made above? Are you suggesting that I cancel VM TV package, get a firestick, and then I would "put up with Freeview channels" via the Firestick? What would I then do about Broadband?

If you only watch channels that are on Freeview its pointless paying for a TV package.

Movies24 isn't on Freeview, but that's the old Hallmark channel, and I dare say most of that content is on streaming.

The firestick will give you your access you want to Prime and Netflix.  It will make your "dumb" TV smart, at the fraction of a cost of buying a smart TV.

brewerdave

Neil_Jones said:

sterling30 said:

Neil_Jones said:

If you can put up with Freeview only channels then just cancel the TV package.

Neil can you please clarify the point you made above? Are you suggesting that I cancel VM TV package, get a firestick, and then I would "put up with Freeview channels" via the Firestick? What would I then do about Broadband?

If you only watch channels that are on Freeview its pointless paying for a TV package.

Movies24 isn't on Freeview, but that's the old Hallmark channel, and I dare say most of that content is on streaming.

The firestick will give you your access you want to Prime and Netflix.  It will make your "dumb" TV smart, at the fraction of a cost of buying a smart TV.

As long as you have a "working" terrestrial TV aerial for Freeview. 

iniltous

sterling30 said:

Neil_Jones said:

If you can put up with Freeview only channels then just cancel the TV package.

Neil can you please clarify the point you made above? Are you suggesting that I cancel VM TV package, get a firestick, and then I would "put up with Freeview channels" via the Firestick? What would I then do about Broadband?

A firestick wouldn't provide Freeview access , you would need an aerial for that , but it would provide access to your Netflix and Amazon accounts , ( as well as other things ) obviously if you don’t want the hassle of getting a different broadband provider and want to stick with VM  , you should be able to negotiate around £30 for a standalone 250Mb/s broadband, ( that’s the new customer offer ) if you are outside of a minimum term .
If they won’t play ball and offer you what new customers get , you could cancel and reapply in your GF name, but that may not be a seamless transfer, the alternative is consider another provider, and once it’s in and working , cancel VM entirely, but that may need your current setup adjusting, if they know you are reluctant to move , they won’t necessarily offer you much as they know you won’t use the ultimate sanction and tell them to **** off.

sterling30

Q:

1.

If I had an ariel (which I don't currently), would I be able to get Freeview via the Firestick or would I need something else like a Freeview box?

2.

If I used a Firestick to view Netflix and Prime, would there be any differences to how I watch them at the moment, such as slower streaming, loading etc. Are Firesticks reliable? Do they need updating now and then via WIFI?

3.

If I watched Freeview would I need a TV Licence?

oldernonethewiser

1 - you would get Freeview via the TV if it has a digital tuner in it.

2 - Firesticks are reliable.  They may get software updates online (not sure)

3 - If you watch any live TV or iPlayer you need a licence.

sterling30

I have no idea if my TV has a digital tuner in it. How do I find out?

I've done a load of research and have drawn a conclusion that Roku would be better than Firestick.