How to switch between Sky and Virgin Media
Emma Lunn | March 24th, 2023
Are you ditching Sky for Virgin Media or vice versa? Perhaps you’re tempted by Virgin Media’s super-speedy broadband, or you fancy Sky’s TV service.
Virgin Media and Sky use different networks. Virgin has its own cable network while Sky uses the Openreach network. But this doesn’t mean switching between the two providers has to be complicated. This guide explains how to switch between Sky and Virgin Media, from who to contact to how long it all takes.
Decide which services you want to switch
Sky and Virgin Media both offer triple-play deals: phone line rental, broadband and a TV service bundled together for one monthly price. However, you might want a TV service from one provider, and phone and broadband from another. Or perhaps you want to do away with a paid-for TV service and rely on Freeview, and just buy broadband.
In either case, work out what you want to switch, what you want to keep, and what you can live without. Be careful when you compare deals. Both Sky and Virgin Media tend to lure you in with cheap prices that increase 18 months later.
Whichever way you’re switching, you’ll need to check whether your required services from Sky or Virgin Media are available in your area by choosing one of the options below.
-
£50 Bill CreditM125 Fibre Broadband- 132Mb average speed +
- Unlimited usage +
- No phone line
- £50 Bill Credit
- No 2024 Price Rise
£26.50 per month(prices may change during contract)£50 Bill Credit£0 one-off cost18 month contract -
£30 Gift CardSuperfast- 61Mb average speed +
- Unlimited usage +
- PAYG calls
- £30 Gift Card
£27.00 per month(prices may change during contract)£30 Gift Card£5 one-off cost18 month contract -
£55 Bill CreditM250 Fibre Broadband
- 264Mb average speed +
- Unlimited usage +
- No phone line
- £55 Bill Credit
- No 2024 Price Rise
£30.50 per month(prices may change during contract)£55 Bill Credit£0 one-off cost18 month contract
Compare and choose a new deal
If you have a Sky Broadband Superfast package with Sky and you can’t yet get Sky’s ultrafast speeds, you can get faster speeds with Virgin Media. Virgin offers speeds ranging from just 50Mbps to over 1000Mbps with its Gig1 package to all its customers.
If it’s really fast broadband you want, you’re more likely to be able to access Virgin’s network than Sky’s new ultrafast speeds. However, many people may just prefer Sky due to its TV packages. All Sky TV customers get Sky Entertainment and you can add on box sets, movies and sports, although pretty much the same is on offer with Virgin, with the exception of Sky Atlantic. Although Sky’s ultrafast speeds aren’t yet as widely available as Virgin Media, its regular top fibre speed of 63Mbps will be plenty for many households.
Whether you’re seeking a single service or a bundle, finding the best deal is easiest when all the information you need is in one place. Our broadband comparison pages take out a lot of the click-work, meaning you can compare features, costs and contracts simply and effectively.
Compare Virgin Media deals Compare Sky deals
You need to talk to both providers
Switching between Virgin Media and other providers is a bit trickier than switching between two providers that both use Openreach. This is because Virgin Media runs its own cable network, which uses different phone lines, cabinets and cables to the providers on Openreach. This means you will need to make a couple of phone calls yourself, rather than relying on your new provider (whether that’s Virgin or Sky) to arrange it all for you.
If you’re switching from Sky to Virgin Media
You’ll need to contact Sky to let it know you are leaving and to cancel your services – Virgin won’t do it for you. To avoid any loss of service, make sure you arrange to disconnect with Sky either on the same day or just after your Virgin Media connection starts.
If you’re switching from Virgin Media to Sky
You’ll need to arrange your Sky installation, then contact Virgin to cancel your services. To help avoid loss of service, it’s best to tell Virgin your confirmed Sky activation date so it can cancel its service as close to your new Sky activation date as possible.
Check your current contract
If you’re still within the minimum period of your contract with either Sky or Virgin Media, you may have to pay termination fees. This won’t apply if your minimum term has already passed, and you should be able to cancel without any trouble.
Sky will credit your account with up to £100 if Virgin charges you termination fees. You’ll have to pay the fees first and will then need to send a copy of your final Virgin Media bill along with your proof of payment to Sky in order to claim your £100 credit.
Both Sky and Virgin Media will be reluctant to let you go. If you call to cancel, they are likely to transfer you to their retentions department where you may be offered cheaper deals and other incentives to stay. These offers may be worth considering before you make your final decision to switch.
Conclusion
Switching between Sky and Virgin Media isn’t quite as straightforward as switching between two providers that both use the Openreach network (that’s most providers apart from Virgin Media). But it needn’t be a major hassle if you plan ahead, do your research and are sure of your decision.