New subscriber price increases

[Dean250]

I've recently subscribed on what appeared to be a very good deal for tv package and broadband however I've been told by existing customers that after 6 months or do the prices will go up considerably and I'll end up paying almost double.Is this true as I'm still in my cooling off period and am considering whether to cancel

[Daniel0210 · Accepted solution]

@Dean250 

There is usually an annual price review (which will ultimately lead to an increase) in April each year in the UK so that might be what you've heard about. It affects all customers. 

[Dean250]

So apart from the annual increase they don't put your own personal subscription up at all,apologies for my persistence but I've had several people advising me to cancel as it's a rip off and the sales team don't tell you about these things knowing you won't read the small print

[daveNOS]

@Dean250 The only times when your price should increase are as already mentioned the annual price increase and when your discounts end, they should not increase at any other time with the exception of PPV purchases or out of plan call charges if you have broadband and talk.

[PandJ2020]

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@Dean250 wrote:

...knowing you won't read the small print

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Did you read the 'small print'?

If you did then it explicit lays out how they can increase prices.  (Particularly how often and by how much and when it triggers any right to cancel)

[Mark39]

@Dean250 check also that your discounts last for as long as your contractual minimum term. The details will be in your confirmation from Sky. As a new subscriber, discounts usually expire at the same time as your minimum term, but it's something to check.

[Dean250]

Thank you.The discount does that last for the duration of your contract in my case 24 months 

[Dean250]

Thank you for your responses I wrote that last question before reading them👍🏼

[PandJ2020]

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@Dean250 wrote:

Thank you.The discount does that last for the duration of your contract in my case 24 months 

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Just bear in mind the discount is relative to list price.  The list price changes.

Say you have £10 off Signature, retail £35.  So you pay £25.

The price increase by 5% to £37, you pay £27.  (8% increase)

It's clever as Sky will announce an average increase of 5% but anyone with discounts sees a higher net increase...

[Dean250]

I hadn't received an introductory email until later today so didn't have much info they only sent me emails regarding the add ons like paramount plus.I read some terms and conditions is it true that if you download your sky apps and activate them you waiver your right to a cooling off period or have I got that completely wrong?

[TimmyBGood]

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@PandJ2020 wrote:

It's clever as Sky will announce an average increase of 5% but anyone with discounts sees a higher net increase...

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In the UK, percentage increases are not permitted in new contracts as of tomorrow.

From 17 January 2025, phone, broadband and pay TV providers will be prohibited from including inflation-linked, or percentage-based, price rise terms in all new contracts. This means consumers will be able to enter into contracts featuring £/p information ahead of annual price rises in 2025.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/bills-and-charges/ofcom-bans-mid-contract-price-rises-... 

[UnhappyPrice]

I had a new contract for tv package on 19th January 2025 - 2 days after they announced 'From 17 January 2025, phone, broadband and pay TV providers will be prohibited from including inflation-linked, or percentage-based, price rise terms in all new contracts' yet Sky have still put my price up by £4 per month - not right!!!  

[Mark39]

@UnhappyPrice Sky don't consider themselves affected by this ruling. You can cancel your broadband contract because of the increase providing you contact Sky within 30 days of receiving notification of the increase. The tv contract ypu agreed to allows for price rises of up to 10%.

[PandJ2020]

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@UnhappyPrice wrote:

... will be prohibited from including inflation-linked, or percentage-based, price rise terms in all new contracts' yet Sky have still put my price up by £4 per month - not right!!!  

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This isn't quite true.  The regulator allows two options:

1) The pounds and pence increase set out up front (Where you cannot cancel as you've agreed it)

2) Mid-term increases allowed but you can cancel penalty free if imposed

Of course, option 1 got all the headlines - and it's asking firms to second-guess inflation over long periods which means they tend to be pessimistic (But you get upfront clarity and certainty).