sky broadcasting

[Hughes 66]

My friend has had a Sky box and dish for many years.During the past few years he has had it free after telling Sky he only wanted to view the free channels.Last week he had a letter asking for his bank details etc to be sent to enable Sky to charge him �5 a month from now on.Is this genuine .I've seen or heard about this nowhere.He has sent the details off unfortunatley silly man.Any one else heard of this.

[Buenchico]

I'm unaware of anything offered by Sky which costs �5 per month. All of their 'packages' cost more than a fiver.

A Sky box without a valid card in it can receive the unencrypted ('Free to air') channels from the BBC, ITV and a few other broadcasters. This can be upgraded to receive the encrypted ('Free to view') channels from many more stations (which are collectively known as 'FreeSat') for a one-off payment of �20 (which provides a valid card for these services).

I advise that your friend should contact Sky, as soon as possible, to find out what he's being charged for.

Chris

[Hughes 66]

Please note the update on my question.It was a company Satelite direct who made contact about the sky box.They cover the sat system in your house for from �5 month.My od friend thought he had been telephoned direct by Sky but this was not the case.But Satelite direct must have got his details from Sky.He agreed the �5/month thinking it was rent for the box.He will not need the insurance cover so he will try to cancel the D Debit tomorrow.Be warned if you have a phone call and don't want insurance cover.If you do then �5 seems Ok.

[rogerr]

Chris--you have saved me money--thank you. The boys have left home now, so Sky not used much. Getting info from Sky was not easy. That has all changed now with your advice. Thanks a lot pal!
R

[rogerr]

Hughes--sorry about your pal's experience--golden rule--fob the so and sos off until you have time to think.
R

[fishing81]

hi, had the same problem as you with satelite direct and thought it was sky but was to late to cancel my direct debit but was glad i couldn't as after those high winds of late i called them out free of charge as there was a problem with my dish