Sky's history goes back to 1989, when Rupert Murdoch launched Sky television PLC which set out to compete with terrestrial channels. in 1990 Sky television merged with its rival British Satellite Broadcasting to form British Sky Broadcasting which was more commonly abbreviated to BSKYB.
In 2005 Sky made the foray in to the broadband, and due to spectacular growth has become the second biggest provider of broadband services in the UK, narrowly behind BT.
The Key benefits of a Sky packages are:
- Triple play bundle (broadband, phone and TV)
- Access to over 600 plus channels including over 250 plus free-to-air channels
- Flexible premium TV channels available on a rolling basis
- On Demand box sets with access to 500 titles
- Netflix available as part of a package deal
- Available to watch certain services on a PC, Mac, iPad, Android tablets and mobile phones with the Sky Go app
- Sky broadband is available to 98.5% of the UK population
What broadband packages are there?
Sky uses the Openreach network, which covers 98.5% of UK households and businesses. For consumers looking for fibre optic, Openreach covers 95% of the UK market. So long as you're able to get an Openreach line, you'll be able to have Sky broadband.
Sky sells broadband-only packages as well as packages that bundle up TV, phone and broadband and Sky also offers the option to add Sky Broadband Boost and Wi-Fi Guarantee, which gives consumers guarantees that if the Wi-Fi is not reliable in every room, they are entitled to receive compensation.
What is Sky’s TV and broadband deal in brief?
Sky is unrivalled when it comes to TV channels, by adding Sky's Entertainment Pack, which gives consumers access to over 300 channels including 2 of the most popular channels, Sky One and the exclusive Sky Atlantic.
For movie buffs, Sky has ‘Sky Cinema’ which is a set of 11 premium movie channels broken down to specific genres like. horror, family, comedy etc.
Sky has invested heavily in sports broadcasting, and has exclusive content not available on other Channels in the UK. You can choose to have one sports channel, or if you like a variety of sports, you can take all 9.
Sky TV is delivered through Sky Q set-top box, which features on-demand TV as well as catch up TV. it also has up to 2TB of storage which allows you to record up to 350 hours of your best HD programs.
What is Sky’s broadband and phone deal?
For customers looking to have Sky broadband and phone there are a variety of options available, the standard option will include unlimited evening and weekend calls, with calls outside these hours charged at a per-minute rate. Other add-ons available for a small monthly fee include, any time calls and international calls
What is Sky’s TV, phone and broadband deal?
Sky's triple play deal includes phone, broadband, and TV. The basic package includes access to over 300 channels, unlimited evening and weekend calls and broadband. Further add-ons like anytime calls or premium channels are available for an additional monthly fee
What do Sky offer to safeguard performance?
Ofcom have a voluntary code of practice for broadband providers which Sky has signed up to. This means you're given an estimate of the average broadband speed you will receive before you sign up and a minimum performance guarantee, which entitles you to cancel your contract if a firm is unable to resolve your issue within 30-days without paying a penalty.
For added peace of mind, Sky offers customers the option to add Sky's Broadband Boost for £5 a month. This service will mean your line is regularly monitored for problems, with priority engineer service and Sky's Wi-Fi Guarantee, which ensures you receive strong broadband signals throughout your house or you receive compensation.
Broadband speed for gaming
For gamers, as the files are large, sometimes in excess of 100gb, the recommended minimum download speed will be over 30 Mbps.
It is worth remembering the more users you have sharing a connection, the speed experienced will be slower than when compared to one person using the internet.
What speed is Sky Broadband in my area?
Openreach ADSL network covers more than 98.5 percent of the UK, but there may still be some locations where the service is unavailable. Exact speeds will also differ depending on a user's location, with a variety of factors contributing to the specific performances experienced by users.
To know the expected speed for broadband in your area, please call Free Price Compare’s friendly team of advisers on 0800 977 5741.
Sky uses Openreach network’s fibre optic connections, so, as a result 95% of UK households will be able to have Sky Fibre Broadband. Sky will give you an approximate speed for fibre broadband connection but this could vary depending on the location of your home.
What is the process of setting up Sky in the home?
Setting up Sky broadband couldn't be easier, all you need to do is plug the router into the phone socket the power cable into the router and turn it on, and you're ready to go.
The customers that have chosen to have a TV package included, will be required to schedule an engineer visit to install all the various equipment.
Is there a set up fee?
Yes, Sky do charge insulation and set up fees, which ranges from £19.95 to £39.95 and this would depend on the package you're signing up for.
What is the Sky broadband installation time?
If you already have an Openreach landline, it should take around two weeks to switch your service to Sky. However, if you are getting broadband for the first time or need a landline installed, it may take up to three weeks.
Sky switch existing landline customers to ADSL broadband service in around two weeks from the point of application. for new broadband customers requiring a new line, the process can take around 3 weeks.
Sky fibre installation
Customer wanting to switch from ADSL internet line to a fibre connection see a quicker installation time, this process takes about 7 days.
What is Sky Q Hub?
Sky’s router is also a set-top TV box, which Sky have named Sky Q Hub. It operates on the less congested and more advanced 5GHz spectrum which will mean users will experience far better internet performances than if they had been on the 2.5GHz spectrum.
How do you set up Sky Q Hub?
Setting up a Sky Q box is fairly straightforward and with instructions and power cables all contained within the pack. For customers wanting TV with their broadband will need to arrange an engineer visit
How do you compare Sky deals?
If you are looking to compare the various broadband deals, there is no better place than Free Price Compare, which will give you the best broadband, TV and phone deals in the UK. If you prefer to speak to someone than our freephone number is 0800 977 5741 available from Monday to Saturday 8am to 9pm.
What is Sky broadband customer service like?
Sky have comprehensive lists of FAQs which should resolve most queries, however, if you prefer more direct forms of communications, you can contact Sky on the phone, by Facebook Messenger, email and even text messaging. The telephone number for customer service is 0333 7591 018 with lines open from 7am to 11pm, every day of the week
