Sky to hike TV package prices by up to 9%
Provider is bumping up prices for existing customers from June.
Sky is hiking the cost of its TV packages for existing customers by up to 9%.
Those that joined after 1st September 2014, and some who joined before this date who are no longer in their minimum contract period, will be hit by the price rise which comes into force on 1st June 2015.
On average Sky says customers will see a rise of £3 a month, adding £36 to an annual bill.
Below are details of the packages affected.
|
Sky TV bundle |
Current bundle price for existing customers |
Bundle price for existing customers from 1st June |
Overall price rise from 1st June |
Percentage increase |
|
The Original Bundle |
£21.50 per month |
£21.50 per month |
None |
n/a |
|
The Variety Bundle |
£28 per month |
£30 per month |
£2 per month |
7% |
|
The Family Bundle |
£33 per month |
£36 per month |
£3 per month |
9% |
|
Sky Movies |
£16.50 per month |
£17 per month |
50p per month |
3% |
|
Sky Sports |
£24.50 per month |
£25.50 per month |
£1 per month |
4% |
|
Sky Movies & Sky Sports |
£32.50 per month |
£34.50 per month |
£1.50 per month |
5% |
The move is something of a surprise as Sky normally reviews prices in September. Indeed the last time Sky raised its TV prices was in September 2014.
Sky says it will send letters to customers impacted by the changes from 1st April.
What customers can do
Unfortunately as the hikes only affect TV packages and not landline or broadband prices, new Ofcom rules allowing customers to leave without penalty should their provider up prices mid-contract don’t apply.
Customers that are in the middle of their contract who signed up after 1st September 2014 won’t be able to leave Sky penalty free as the firm says its terms and conditions allow it to raise prices once within a 12-month minimum term by up to 10%.
Customers who signed up before 1st September 2014 who are still within their minimum contract period won't see prices rise in June (as they've already had one) but will be hit with the price rise once their minimum contract term ends.
Sky says customers who are outside of their minimum term have the right to cancel their subscription at any time, as long as they give 31 days’ notice and follow the instructions on the Sky website here.
What Sky says
A spokesperson for Sky said: "We work hard to make Sky the best value entertainment choice for subscribers. This year we'll bring our customers even more of the TV they want to watch, including the best US shows and unmissable British drama.
"Meanwhile Sky Sports will offer an unrivalled choice of top quality sport. We'll also bring more of the shows everyone's talking about on Sky Box Sets. On average, bills will rise by less than £3 per month."
Get a better deal on your TV package with our friends at broadbandchoices.co.uk
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