topic Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream in Sky Q

RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

Wurst1 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:08:12 GMT

For what it's worth, this isn't my main household user account.

Looking at the recent changes to both Sky's TV packages and the upcoming streaming app changes, it feels to me as though Sky Q customers are being treated as second class customers compared to new and existing Sky Stream customers.

Apparently, Netflix is included as standard for "ALL" Sky TV customers, whether you subscribe to the basic 'Essentials' package or the 'Ultimate TV' package.

That is, unless, you're a Sky Q customer. If you are, you have to pay extra for Netflix.

If you browse the Sky website, particularly the TV Packages section, there's no asterisk or note mentioning it's different for Sky Q customers. I had to call Sky to find out that Sky Q is no longer available to new customers and that Sky Q are excluded from these benefits. When I asked why, no reason was given other than a "business decision".

Some of you may have read about the new changes to Sky coming in March, where the new HBO Max, Disney+, Hayu and Netflix group of streaming apps will be available. Sky have a specific page about it here (take a look):

https://www.sky.com/tv/apps?irct=masthead-svod

The language Sky use is pretty clear, and under the Netflix section it says "Included in all packages".

Clearly Sky are pushing firmly in the direction of streaming, but for those of us that prefer Sky Q, why are we being disadvantaged when it comes to services?

We've been with Sky for 17 years and considered 'Diamond VIP'. We still feel we overpay for what we get, and currently pay for Netflix separately. We've escalated this with Sky ourselves with a "dissatisfaction of service" report, apparently I'll be getting a phone call about it tomorrow. We'll see.

I know Sky read these forums - I'm not expecting a reply from them - but I'm hoping this gets fed back urgently to those business decision makers.

We already pay extortionate money for our services - at least make it fair for all customers.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

nigea99 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:23:53 GMT

@Wurst1

I don't think Netflix has actually changed with the latest announcement which is more about the inclusion of HBO Max, Disney+ & Hayu

Essential TV on SKY Stream has had Netflix (along with SKY Atlantic) included since it was launched - this is a specific package designed to encourage new customers to SKY Stream (& Glass). Likewise SKY Ultimate on Stream / Glass has always had Netflix included.

Netflix on SKY Q has never been included in Signature on SKY Q but quite often bundled with it.

SKY Q is still available to new customers but only directly via the call centre (there has been a sparate discussion on here regarding this in recent weeks)

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

oj01 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:01:42 GMT

@Wurst1 I think you completely misunderstand it.

On Sky Q you've always had the choice whether you take a package that includes Netflix (Sky Ultimate) or doesn't (Sky Signature).

With Sky Stream you don't get a choice, everyone has (and pays for) Netflix.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

DaveDrizen — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:36:22 GMT

The announcement quite clearly says that HBO max and Disney plus basic ads will be available to Sky Q subscribers that have signature, to honist that probably most Sky Q customers has we can't have SkyQ with signature if unless you have a very old package. As far as Netflix goes it included in packages that have the ultimate tv package which is usual been included in most packages with signature In fact in reality the unltmate package is another name for Netflix goes on Sky Q because as far as I can see there is nothing else we get in that part of the package. we pay £4.50 for it

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

TimmyBGood — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:43:44 GMT

@Wurst1 wrote:

Clearly Sky are pushing firmly in the direction of streaming, but for those of us that prefer Sky Q, why are we being disadvantaged when it comes to services?

Because the era of satellite television broadcasting to the UK is coming to an end. It's a commercial product, not a human right, and Sky (or rather Comcast) can choose to incentivise migration to their current platform.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

Wurst1 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:41:41 GMT

No need to be sarcastic Timmy, we all know we pay a lot for our services and as a long term (17 years) customer who has paid tens of thousands to Sky, it's little things like this that Sky do which deter me from continuing, and I'm sure others feel the same. If Netflix is included for free for the basic Stream tv service, it should be for Sky Q too.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

TimmyBGood — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:08:24 GMT

@Wurst1 wrote:

If Netflix is included for free for the basic Stream tv service, it should be for Sky Q too.

Why?

If Sky saves money by no longer paying for satellite data transit they can choose to pass a cost-saving on to streaming customers if they see fit.

Realistically the more customers they can get to migrate now, the easier the transition will be in the run-up to the satellite products ending.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

mr.tickle — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:41:09 GMT

@Wurst1 wrote:

If you browse the Sky website, particularly the TV Packages section, there's no asterisk or note mentioning it's different for Sky Q customers. I had to call Sky to find out that Sky Q is no longer available to new customers and that Sky Q are excluded from these benefits. When I asked why, no reason was given other than a "business decision".

Just to correct this part, incase someone else reads it and comes away with the wrong idea.

Sky Q is very much still available to new customers. If anyone has told you otherwise, they were flat out lying. I had my Sky Q install, upgraded from Sky+HD, just four weeks ago.

The only change is that it's no longer available if you do it online. That change happened in mid-December last year, and there was discussion at the time.

That's all. So you get it either in one of Sky's physical shops, or over the telephone.

When I phoned up to get the install there was zero, nada, resistance, no "hard sell" for Sky Stream (which I would not have agreed to).

HTH

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

Chodley — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:05:14 GMT

@Wurst1 wrote:
No need to be sarcastic Timmy, we all know we pay a lot for our services and as a long term (17 years) customer who has paid tens of thousands to Sky, it's little things like this that Sky do which deter me from continuing, and I'm sure others feel the same. If Netflix is included for free for the basic Stream tv service, it should be for Sky Q too.

That wasn't sarcasm, it was just plain speaking. They don't really want or need to incentivise new Q customers. You can decide you don't like what you get for your money and walk, it's a competitive market for TV services these days.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

oOHBOo — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:30:03 GMT

I'm with you, I DONT want to move to steaming services, I like to be able to record, I run all our internet, tv, house phone, 4 mobile phones though sky, not to mention the hundreds of films we own though sky.....and for this first time in 14yrs I'm thinking of leaving them because the price if you don't want to move to streaming is horrendous now, mines gone up from £70 a mth!!! I tried to get them to bring it down and basically they said nothing was available and just tried to push me to move to streaming... sky might very very disappointed and it shouldn't be allowed!!

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

TimmyBGood — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:32:38 GMT

@oOHBOo wrote:

it shouldn't be allowed!!

Once the broadcast satellites are no longer in orbit at 19.2E, continued access to satellite television is going to be somewhat problematic.

I suppose that in theory a government could choose to intervene, but that's extremely unlikely.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

oOHBOo — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:38:48 GMT

We understand it, but the cost involved are ridiculous for Sky Q customers now because we are being priced out

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

xenon81 — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:41:18 GMT

@TimmyBGood wrote:
@oOHBOo wrote:
it shouldn't be allowed!!
Once the broadcast satellites are no longer in orbit at 19.2E, continued access to satellite television is going to be somewhat problematic.

Sky UK uses satellites at 28.2E.

New satellites are still being launched at 19.2E with Astra 1Q due next year so that slot will continue for a long while yet.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

PandJ2020 — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:43:43 GMT

@oOHBOo wrote:
We understand it, but the cost involved are ridiculous for Sky Q customers now because we are being priced out

Perhaps the commerical push off satellite services has begun... My renewal is mid next year - we will see...

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

nigea99 — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:46:16 GMT

@xenon81 wrote:

@TimmyBGood wrote:

@oOHBOo wrote:

it shouldn't be allowed!!

Once the broadcast satellites are no longer in orbit at 19.2E, continued access to satellite television is going to be somewhat problematic.

Sky UK uses satellites at 28.2E.

New satellites are still being launched at 19.2E with Astra 1Q due next year so that slot will continue for a long while yet.

Indeed - Maybe @TimmyBGood has done a timewarp to SKY Analogue days before the launch of SKY digital on Astra 2 Satellites @ 28.2 🙂

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

nigea99 — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:48:06 GMT

@PandJ2020 wrote:

@oOHBOo wrote:

We understand it, but the cost involved are ridiculous for Sky Q customers now because we are being priced out

Perhaps the commerical push off satellite services has begun... My renewal is mid next year - we will see...

As I think we are already seeing - I think the discounts will become less available/smaller for Satellite Subs with the best deals only on Streaming

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

oOHBOo — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:20:00 GMT

It wouldn't be so bad but one of the main pulls for me because of my health is being able to record what I want to watch and then watch it when I'm ready (and fast forward the adds!!) please done say it has to save list, because iv looked at this and it reallys heavily on streaming rights and redirecting to other platforms, where I find you can't always find the recording you want for some reason.... now if sky made it that you could still have a hard drive and record the tv you want to watch, I'd probably be convinced but now with our homes veiwing I want the recordings....

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

MightyQuinn — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:20:02 GMT

@oOHBOo wrote:
It wouldn't be so bad but one of the main pulls for me because of my health is being able to record what I want to watch and then watch it when I'm ready (and fast forward the adds!!) please done say it has to save list, because iv looked at this and it reallys heavily on streaming rights and redirecting to other platforms, where I find you can't always find the recording you want for some reason.... now if sky made it that you could still have a hard drive and record the tv you want to watch, I'd probably be convinced but now with our homes veiwing I want the recordings....

Hi @oOHBOo Unfortunately Sky/Comcast are a private business, and individual people wish lists have no place in their commercial decisions. "I want to watch and then watch it when I'm ready", I don't have Stream, but my understanding is the recordings function is a Play List which functions exactly the same as watching a recording on Sky Q. Of course, ad-skipping will cost extra! Of course when pigs (or in this case satellites) fly then Sky will meet your needs.

Re: RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

DaveDrizen — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:48:09 GMT

@oOHBOo wrote:
I'm with you, I DONT want to move to steaming services, I like to be able to record, I run all our internet, tv, house phone, 4 mobile phones though sky, not to mention the hundreds of films we own though sky.....and for this first time in 14yrs I'm thinking of leaving them because the price if you don't want to move to streaming is horrendous now, mines gone up from £70 a mth!!! I tried to get them to bring it down and basically they said nothing was available and just tried to push me to move to streaming... sky might very very disappointed and it shouldn't be allowed!!

The present Sky stream software true dose not include a record facility but Sky at the moment testing a Beta Sky system software version which dose have a record facility of sorts. Yes there is no hard drive on the sky stream puck still, but the new beta version software has facility that you can record programmes to a cloud facility over the internet which it sorts can be advantage over the recording system on Sky Q. As it available over the internet not physically tied a hard drive of a Sky box, if you have have change you Sky stream puck you won't lose your recording at will still be available on your new Sky puck.

At the moment it only is only available as a beta version that only available to some Sky stream subscribers by invitation. There is no date at the moment when this software version will be made available to all Sky stream subscribers, but the talk is possably at the end of the year or early next year.