Sky under fire for not telling customers when TV contracts end

Sky
Sky

Sky is bracing for a showdown with the regulator after failing to tell customers when their contracts are ending.

Ofcom concluded Sky "contravened, and continues to contravene" rules demanding a swathe of its TV customers are told when their contracts are up for renewal.

The regulator said it had "reasonable grounds to believe" Sky has been breaching the rules since March 26 last year.

Ofcom has provisionally found Sky should comply with the end-of-contract notification regulations ahead of a final decision by the end of the summer.

The watchdog introduced end-of-contract notifications in February last year, covering mobile, broadband, home phone and pay TV operators.

The notifications must be sent to all customers of so-called electronic communications services so they can continue to secure the best deals.

The watchdog believes TV customers are covered by the definition, but Sky believes its TV customers should be exempt from the rules.

The Succession broadcaster may be prompted to legally challenge the outcome if Ofcom final decision concludes Sky's pay TV services are a part of the legislation.

A Sky spokeswoman said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to clarify what has been a long running difference of views on interpretation of the law. We cannot comment further until Ofcom has announced its final decision.”

The development comes after Sky customers were hit with price rises of up to £72 a year in April.

The satellite broadcaster, now owned by America's Comcast, brought in increases of as much as £6 a month, with an average monthly rise of just over £3.

Its basic broadband package increased by £3 to £25 per month, a 14pc rise, while Sky HD went up by 16pc – or £1 – to £7.

Sky was following in the footsteps of competitors BT, Netflix and Virgin Media, which have all increased prices in recent months.