Sky Broadband Review

Are you considering switching to Sky broadband in June 2023?

This Sky broadband review includes results from the Ofcom service quality report which looks at broadband reliability and customer service across UK broadband providers.

Sky is one of the UK’s most popular Internet Service Providers (ISP) and offers broadband speeds ranging from 11Mb – 900Mb.

When switching to Sky Broadband, you have the option of bolting on a TV package, phone talk-time package as well as mobile phone service.

Sky is one of the leading providers of TV and broadband packages and is a good choice if you’re wanting to consolidate your broadband and TV services into one provider.

The price you pay for Sky Broadband includes the phone line rental and they will take over your existing phone line (except if your phone line is with Virgin Media). Virgin Media runs its own network therefore you will need to contact them to cancel the broadband.

If you’re currently on a Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) broadband service, you will also need to contact your existing provider to cancel.

Sky has a “switch-squad” that is dedicated to handling the whole transfer from your existing broadband provider. They will contact your provider, cease your contract and move the phone line across without you having to lift a finger.

Best Sky broadband packages in June 2023

Is Sky broadband any good?

Sky is a sound and trusted broadband and TV provider with a proven track record of providing good customer service.

With Sky, you are able to save money by consolidating all your entertainment and communications services through Sky’s range of Broadband, TV and mobile phone bundles.

You can gradually migrate your services to Sky as and when you are out of contract with your existing provider.

“A happy customer tells a friend; an unhappy customer tells the world.”

As with every other Internet Service Provider, you will find plenty of positive and negative reviews online.

To help clear this muddy water, we have shared extracts from the most recent Ofcom Broadband and Telecoms Report which was published in May 2022.

Ofcom (Office of communications), the UK Telecoms regulator monitors and conducts research into the levels of customer service and satisfaction across the ‘main’ communications service providers in the UK.

Overview of Sky broadband performance vs competitors

Sky broadband number of customer complaints vs competitors

Compared to other broadband providers such as  BT, Plusnet, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Virgin Media, Sky had the second-fewest broadband complaints (21 per 100k subscribers compared to the industry average of 49).

Sky handling of customer complaints vs competitors

Sky average call waiting times and abandonment rates vs competitors

Likelihood of customers recommending Sky broadband

Back to Sky broadband deals

Sky broadband packages

The majority of Sky broadband packages are on an 18-month contract and speeds vary by location.

• Sky Essential (ADSL) Broadband

  Sky Essential Broadband package is an intro entry-level package with download speeds averaging around 11Mb and an upload average of 0.8Mb.

  This speed is ideal as basic broadband for low usage/light activities such as web browsing and checking emails.

  Sky Broadband Essential is delivered via an ADSL connection, which means your speeds will not be as fast as other Sky broadband packages.

• Sky Superfast 35 Broadband

  Sky Superfast 35 Broadband package has an average download speed of 36Mb and an average upload speed of 9Mb and is suited to general streaming and browsing in smaller households.

• Sky Superfast Fibre broadband

  Sky Superfast fibre broadband has an average download speed of 59 Mbps and an average upload speed of 16 Mbps.  SKy Superfast broadband is more than enough for most online activities including browsing and streaming in a household with multiple users.

• Sky Ultrafast Fibre broadband

  Sky Ultrafast fibre broadband is available to 32% of UK homes and has an average download speed of up to 145Mb and an Average upload speed of 27Mb.

  With Sky Ultrafast fibre broadband, an entire household can stream 4K TV shows, play online gaming, watch Netflix and HD movies, and stream high-quality music to your laptop, smartphone or any of your wireless speakers comfortably.

• Sky Broadband Ultrafast Plus

  Sky Broadband Ultrafast Plus is available to 24% of UK homes and has an average download speed of 500Mb and an average upload speed of 60Mb.

• Sky Gigafast Fibre broadband

  Sky Gigafast fibre broadband is available to 24% of UK homes and offers full-fibre speeds of 900Mb average download and 90Mb average upload speed.

  This package is delivered only through FTTP (Fibre to the Premises). Sky Broadband Gigafast broadband will support more than 120 Wi-Fi-hungry devices all connected at the same time.

Check what speed is available in your area by entering your postcode into the Sky Broadband Availability checker.

Sky broadband upload speeds

• Sky Essential broadband average upload speed is 0.8Mb/s
• Sky Superfast 35 broadband average upload speed is 9Mb/s
• Sky Superfast broadband average upload speed is 16Mb/s
• Sky Ultrafast broadband average upload speed is 27Mb/s
• Sky Ultrafast Plus broadband average upload speed is 60Mb/s
• Sky Gigafast broadband average upload speed is 90Mb

In the UK, upload speeds of 20 Mbps or over are considered very good.

Sky broadband Router

You will receive the Sky Q Hub no matter which broadband package you sign up for.

The Sky Q hub comes with 4 Ethernet ports, allows up to 64 devices to connect and has Smart Signal Technology that optimises your Wi-Fi connection and allows you to create hotspots.

How to set up your Sky broadband hub

Credit: Sky Help Videos on Youtube

How to set up your Sky Broadband Hub with fibre to the premises (FTTP)

Credit: Sky Help Videos on Youtube

Sky Speed Guarantee

When you sign up for a new Sky broadband package you will be provided with a minimum download speed.

If your broadband speed falls below your minimum download speed, you can claim your money back.

Sky Broadband Superfast 35 & Superfast Speed Guarantee
“Selected Sky fibre areas only. If, after the first 14 days after activation, the download speed to your hub drops below your guaranteed minimum download speed, for 3 consecutive days or more, you can claim money back by calling Sky. You must be within your minimum term and can claim twice within it. Money-back will be 1 month’s Sky Broadband and Talk product subscription (excluding Sky Broadband Boost), or if within the first 30 days of activation, set up costs too. Total loss of service and Major Service Outages do not count towards 3-day periods.”

Sky Broadband Ultrafast Speed Guarantee
“If, after the first 14 days after activation, the download speed to your hub drops below 100Mb/s for 3 consecutive days or more, you can claim money back by calling Sky.”

Sky Broadband Ultrafast Plus Speed Guarantee
“If, after the first 14 days after activation, the download speed to your hub drops below 400Mb/s for 3 consecutive days or more, you can claim money back by calling Sky.”

Sky Broadband Gigafast Speed Guarantee
“If, after the first 14 days after activation, the download speed to your hub drops below 600Mb/s for 3 consecutive days or more, you can claim money back by calling Sky”

Sky broadband Boost

Sky broadband boost is available as an optional add-on to Sky Broadband Superfast 35, Superfast, Ultrafast, Ultrafast Plus or Gigafast customers and has the following benefits:

• WiFi guaranteed in every room or your money back
  Sky will guarantee you can get at least 3 Mbps WiFi in every room or they will give you your money back on your Sky Broadband Boost subscription. You will also get their latest Hub and they will send you WiFi broadband boosters to improve WiFi in every room.
• Engineer visits at any time
  Normally there is a £15 charge if you need to book an engineer home visit during the evening or weekend. This fee will be waived.
• Sky broadband daily line checks
  After the two weeks new broadband stabilisation period, daily checks will be run on your broadband line to ensure that there are no issues.  If any issues are found, they will send an engineer to investigate. The engineer will not need access to your home so you don’t need to be in. Sky will check every night between 12 am and 5 am, then text you if they are sending an engineer and then again when the fault is fixed.
• Free extra Mobile data for any outages
  If you have Sky Mobile you will enjoy this benefit. Sky will add 2 GB of data will be added to your Sky Piggybank automatically if your broadband has an outage that wasn’t planned,  lasts more than 30 minutes or is between 7 am and 11 pm.
• Sky Broadband Buddy
  Sky Broadband Buddy lets you manage each device in your home from an app on your phone or tablet. It allows you to create filters to block access to certain types of websites, set time limits on screen time, stop/pause internet access for any device and check online viewing activity.

Back to the Sky Broadband price table

Sky Broadband Review FAQs

FAQ - Sky Broadband Review

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What broadband speeds does Sky offer in 2023?

Sky provides three main broadband packages in 2023:

• Essential with an average speed of 11Mbps
• Sky Superfast 35  with an average download speed of  36Mbps
• Superfast with an average of 59Mbps
• Ultrafast with an average of 145Mbps
• Ultrafast Plus with an average speed of 500Mbps
• Gigafast comes in at  900Mbps average download speed.

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How does Sky handle customer service and complaints?

Sky is recognised for its customer service and complaint handling, offering live chat and telephone support seven days a week.

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Will Sky help me switch from my current provider?

Yes, Sky will manage the entire process if you’re switching from an Openreach-based provider. If you’re moving from Virgin Media, you’ll need to make the cancellation call yourself.

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Can I bundle Sky TV with my broadband package?

Yes, bundling Sky TV with your broadband package gives you access to exclusive channels like Sky Atlantic and various other services only available with Sky.

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Can I setup sky broadband myself?

Setting up your new sky broadband hub is simple. Check out this video which shows you how to set up your sky broadband hub: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y1bcEzYjbjo

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How long does it take to get Sky broadband installed?

It takes approximately 14 days to get Sky broadband installed and activated. This time can be significantly reduced if you already have a BT/Openreach phone line at the property. Sky Broadband new line installation process.

Here are the latest Sky Broadband Deals if you haven’t already placed an order

What preparations do I need to make before the engineer arrives for my Sky Broadband installation?

Before the engineer’s visit, ensure you’ve obtained any necessary permissions from your landlord if you’re renting. If you live in a flat or apartment, make sure the engineer can access the telephone distribution point in your building. You might want to ask your neighbours, landlord, or building manager for assistance in locating it. Finally, consider clearing the space where you’d like the new master socket or Optical Network Terminal (ONT) installed to save time during the appointment.

What can I expect during the Sky Broadband installation appointment?

A: The engineer will visit your home during the confirmed time slot and perform work both inside and outside your property. They’ll discuss the best location for your new master socket or ONT and might need to drill small holes or do some digging to complete the installation. The entire process typically takes about an hour or two, and the engineer will test your line to ensure it’s functioning properly before leaving.

How can I track my Sky Broadband order and installation progress?

You can track your order by signing in to the “Track your order” section on the Sky website. You’ll need to create a Sky iD if you haven’t already. Once signed in, you can check your activation or engineer installation date, the packages you’ve ordered, your phone number, and the expected delivery date of your hub if a new one is being sent to you

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Does Sky offer student discount?

Sky do not offer student discounts or promo codes directly but students should check the Sky Unidays page for latest offers and student discounts.  Alternatively you can see the latest Sky deals here.

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How can I get a Sky discount or Promo Code

Sky do not currently have any promo discount codes but they regularly run discount promotions which can be accessed through affiliate links.

 

 

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How long are Sky Broadband contracts?

Most Sky broadband contracts have a minimum term of 18 Months.  If you cancel early, you will have to pay an early termination fee.  However, you have the option to downgrade or upgrade your Sky services during the term of your contract.

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Can I keep my existing phone number

Yes you can keep your existing phone number when switching to Sky broadband. There may be odd occasions where this may not be possible but Sky will let you know in advance. Make sure your order Sky before cancelling with your current provider or else Sky will not be able to transfer your number if you cancel with them first.

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Can I get Sky broadband without a phone line?

Standard (ADSL) Sky broadband uses the Openreach network therefore you will need a BT/Openreach phone in order to get Sky broadband.

If you are one of the lucky homes to have the option of Fibre to the Premises (also known as FTTP) you do not need a phone line. Sky’s FTTP broadband package is known as Sky Gigafast broadband which has an average download speed of 900Mb. If Sky Gigafast broadband is available in your area, you can make additional savings by cancelling and saving on phone line rental.

Alternatively, if you do not want a phone line you can check out these alternatives on how to get broadband without a phone line.

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How much is Sky broadband and TV per month?

Sky broadband and TV packages start from around £35 per month (at the time of writing) for Sky 11Mb Essential broadband and basic Sky TV package.

The prices increases depending on the additional Sky TV packages you add onto your subscription e.g Sky Cinema, Sky sports, Sky Entertainment, etc. To find the latest price on a Sky broadband and TV packages, check out the latest Sky Broadband and TV deals.

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Can I get Sky broadband in my area?

Sky broadband uses the Openreach network to supply their broadband services. Openreach are UK’s largest broadband network covering over 28 million homes and business.  Use the Sky Availability Checker here to see what broadband speed you can get in your area.

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What Sky Broadband speed can I get?

Sky broadband speed vary from 11Mb – 900Mb. Use the Sky broadband availability checker to see what broadband speed you can get if you are considering switching to sky broadband.