Why are my returning deals worse than new customer package deals?

[Paul213]

So Sky is offering new customers a better broadband deal at the moment - £28 per month for 150 download speed, yet now my current plan is up, the best deal I'm being offered is £35 for 69 download speed.

I'm pretty disgusted at how I'm being made to feel as a current customer. So to get the best deals I have to leave Sky, go through the hassle of being setup with a new provider for a year, then come back as a new customer? Or I have to phone Sky, go through the hassle of being put through to the correct department and go through the motions of saying 'I'll leave unless you give me the same deal'. They either rectify, or I leave. Both of which is a hassle and a not a good customer-journey.

When will Sky actually think about retaining customers?

[Daniel0210]

@Paul213 

Being classed as a new customer is now after you've been left for 18 months not 12.

You would have benefited from a similar (new customer) deal xx years ago. Comcast seem to want to attract new customers whilst sometimes losing current ones. If you're moving elsewhere, when that discounted deal ends you'll probably find yourself in the same boat and after 18 months Sky will class you as a new customer if you want to return.