RANT: Sky Q - 2nd Class Customers vs Stream

[Wurst1]

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.

[nigea99]

@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)

[oj01]

@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. 

[DaveDrizen]

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 

[TimmyBGood]

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@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?

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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.

[Wurst1]

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.  

[TimmyBGood]

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@Wurst1 wrote:

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

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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.

[mr.tickle]

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@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

[Chodley]

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@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.  

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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.