Switching from Sky to NOW Broadband?

Silverking

I've recently had an email from Sky regarding their price increase (after agreeing on a new contract in December) so I was looking around at prices.

I'm aware that NOW is part of Sky but their broadband prices are lower so I was considering the move. Has anyone done the same, could you share your experience?

We do use the landline at home and we've had the same number for decades which I will have to keep. I've seen on a couple of forums that some people were told that Sky could not transfer their existing phone numbers to NOW...so if you have any experience with that I would appreciate hearing it. I've also heard some people have had issues with getting a good wifi signal around the house because their router is not as good. If you have used NOW, I'd like to hear how you found it...

Quidco are doing double cashback today...so I could get £110 cashback with the switch but ultimately it wouldn't be worth it if I have the above 2 issues to contend with.

JSmithy45AD

I've done it in both directions a few times. No trouble keeping the same number and the router is exactly the same. You also get free calls with NowTV at least on new contracts. They automatically renewed on a rolling 12 month deal with calls included awhile back as well which was welcome.

Silverking

Thanks for the response.

I just rang Sky to make sure there wouldn't be any termination fees if I moved and he confirmed that. Although he also said if I move to NOW I cannot keep my existing landline telephone number (without me even asking the question). I might attempt the swap and see what NOW said.

Silverking

I decided to risk it...I didn't get asked the question of whether I wanted to keep my existing number, it automatically said it would:



Fingers crossed the switchover goes smoothly.

oldernonethewiser

Hope it goes well.

A relative attempted to do the same thing, about 5 years ago.  Signed up with NOW who started the process then sent an email saying they couldn't provide broadband.  No explanation.  Landline number lost in the process. Went back to Sky but had a new number.  Very annoying.

acc

Silverking said:

I decided to risk it...I didn't get asked the question of whether I wanted to keep my existing number, it automatically said it would.
Fingers crossed the switchover goes smoothly.

Does the application process allow you to choose the switch date?
What is the default date offered?

Silverking

The date I was given was:

Your order has landed and we're busy getting everything ready. Your NOW Broadband and Calls are expected to go live on 27/03/2023. This is a provisional date - if Openreach need to change this we'll let you know.

I can't remember if it let me edit it as I was fine with the day, it said no engineer would need to visit as they'll just send me their router in the post.

FYI I've not cancelled with Sky - following general advice I'm letting NOW follow the switch process.

When I signed up to NOW Broadband, I first received 2 emails from Sky confirming my cancellation would happen on 27/03. This was followed by an email from NOW confirming the order and setup date of 27/03.

mgns

JSmithy45AD said:

I've done it in both directions a few times. No trouble keeping the same number and the router is exactly the same. You also get free calls with NowTV at least on new contracts. They automatically renewed on a rolling 12 month deal with calls included awhile back as well which was welcome.

I'm not sure that's the case anymore for new contracts. I think it is £4 p/m for 'Evening & Weekends' and £8 p/m for 'Anytime' calls.

With regards to improving the Wi-Fi signal, I've seen people recommend using the Sky SR203 router (which you may already have as a Sky customer) instead of the NOW router. If your current Sky setup is serving you well, then you don't need to swap any equipment over as it should all still work with NOW.

I was able to keep my landline number when switching from Sky, a few years ago. Even though the sign up process says it will be ok, I still wouldn't consider it to be guaranteed that your number will be retained when the changeover happens. So be vigilant when your switch day comes.

acc

Silverking said:

The date I was given was:

Your order has landed and we're busy getting everything ready. Your NOW Broadband and Calls are expected to go live on 27/03/2023. This is a provisional date - if Openreach need to change this we'll let you know.

I can't remember if it let me edit it as I was fine with the day, it said no engineer would need to visit as they'll just send me their router in the post.

FYI I've not cancelled with Sky - following general advice I'm letting NOW follow the switch process.

When I signed up to NOW Broadband, I first received 2 emails from Sky confirming my cancellation would happen on 27/03. This was followed by an email from NOW confirming the order and setup date of 27/03.

Thanks. So the default switch time is 15 days, or maybe 14 days ignoring today being a Sunday.

I can take this into account for my switch to NOW at the end of this month.

As you say, the switch should be done only through the new provider, to take the services over from the old provider continuously, rather than risk the old provider cancelling (ceasing) the services, which would cut the broadband and phone service, and lose the number.

Hope your switch goes well. It is reassuring when both old and new providers confirm the same switch date.

Sky may require the old router to be returned or else charge a non-return fee. 

oldernonethewiser

My WiFi from the NOW router is not great so I bought a Deco mesh system which is fantastic.

jonnypb

I am in the process of switching from Sky to NOW due to the £4 increase. Told sky to do one so will now be paying £22 a month with no price increases instead of £29 and another price increase next April.

Apparently the order goes through quicker if you don’t keep your sky land line number.