Buyers guide to Sky broadband
This guide will tell you everything there is to know about Sky broadband. We’ll talk you through the different packages, options and what you need to consider before you buy.
Once you’ve read this guide you’ll be able to make an informed decision if Sky is right for you.
Guide index:
Why choose Sky broadband?
One of the most attractive aspects of Sky’s broadband packages is how cheap they are compared to other broadband providers.
If you’re already with Sky, your broadband and phone charges will be added to your existing bill. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of having all your services from one provider.
If you're new to Sky and you don’t want TV then you can get totally unlimited broadband with your choice of evening and weekend or anytime calls.
New and existing TV customers can get basic broadband with evening and weekend calls free of charge. Other options include unlimited broadband and anytime calls at a discounted price.
What are my options?
1) Everyday Lite & Sky Talk Freetime is the basic package, and only available with TV. It includes up to 20Mb broadband with a 2GB monthly usage allowance and evening and weekend calls.
Ideal for:
- TV customers who want free broadband and calls
- Light Internet users
- People who don’t make daytime calls
2) Sky Broadband Everyday Lite & Sky Talk Unlimited has the same up to 20Mb broadband with 2GB monthly usage allowance and inclusive anytime calls. Only available with a TV subscription.
Ideal for:
- Existing Sky TV customers
- Light Internet users
- People who make lots of calls during the day
3) Sky Broadband Unlimited & Sky Talk Freetime features totally unlimited up to 20Mb broadband with evening and weekend calls. Available with or without a TV subscription.
Ideal for:
- Heavy broadband users
- People who stream or download lots of TV, music and movies
- People who mostly make evening and weekend calls
4) Sky Broadband Unlimited & Sky Talk Unlimited includes totally unlimited up to 20Mb broadband and anytime calls. Available with or without a TV subscription.
Ideal for:
- Heavy broadband users
- People who stream or download a lot of TV and movies
- People who make lots of calls during the day
Switching to Sky
You’ll need to switch your line rental to Sky and pay £12.25 a month line rental. Switching from BT and most other landline providers should be quick and easy and Sky will do all the work for you.
The whole process should take no more than 14 days and there should be no service disruption, unless you’ve already cancelled your existing deal.
If you’re switching from Virgin Media it may take a little longer, but having an active BT line will speed things up.
If you haven’t got an active phone line Sky can install one for you, but there may be an additional charge to pay.
MAC codes
If you’re switching your broadband from an existing service you can usually speed things up by getting a MAC code from your current provider. This should also limit any service disruption.
Broadband usage limits
If you choose Sky Broadband Everyday Lite you’ll only get 2GB monthly usage. If you go over 2GB Sky will email you. If you go over again within six months you’ll be automatically upgraded to the unlimited package, and the increased cost will be added to your monthly bill.
Sky Broadband Unlimited is totally unlimited and not restricted by a fair usage policy.
Contract length
When you subscribe you’ll be signing up for a "Minimum Term" 12-month contract. If you want to leave Sky during this period you may be charged an early termination fee. Payment will be taken from any credit/debit card that you have used previously with Sky, and they’ll give you plenty of notice before payment is taken.
Inclusive phone calls
Only calls to UK landlines are included in Sky Talk packages. Sky defines landline calls as those to numbers beginning with 01, 02, 03 and 0870. Calls to mobiles, numbers in the Channel Islands, indirect or dial-up Internet access numbers and numbers beginning with 070 are not included.
All qualifying calls must be an hour or less in duration. You’re allowed to redial any number as often as you like, so if you want to talk for longer without being charged just hang up and redial before you reach the 60 minute mark.
Non-Direct Debit charges
Sky prefers you to pay your bill by Direct Debit. Alternatively you can set up a regular payment using a debit or credit card, but Sky will add a 50p per month surcharge.
Sky broadband speeds
Sky broadband is advertised as up to 16Mbps. The actual speed you’ll get will be determined by a number of factors including the distance to your local exchange, the quality of your phone line and how busy the network is at any given time.
You can use the postcode checker at the top of this page to find out an estimated Sky speed based on your location.
What’s next?
- Before you go any further you should check availability in your area using our postcode checker at the top of this page. We can then tell you what your estimated broadband speed will be.
- Spend some time comparing the various packages. Take into account everything you’ve read about the different packages including the usage limits. You should then be able to work out which of these packages is the right one for you. You’re now ready to get your deal.
- Click See Deal next to your chosen package. You’ll then be transferred to Sky’s secure online website where you’ll complete the sign up process. The transaction will be completely secure and your personal information will be protected every step of the way.
What if I can’t get Sky in my area?
If the postcode checker tells you that you can’t get Sky why not sign up for our availability alerts. Once the Sky network reaches your area we’ll email you to let you know.
We hope you found this guide useful. Please feel free to share it, and if you’ve got any comments we’d love to hear them.
