1. Providers
2. Sky
3. Contract and Billing

What's in standard Sky TV and broadband contracts? How does the billing for those Sky services work? It can all seem very technical and complex but it doesn't have to be. Find out the essential details right here in our guide.

Before you get Sky broadband and/or Sky TV you should understand what you're signing up for, and how you can pay for it. Contracts, billing cycles and billing methods can seem complicated, but take a few minutes to read our guide and you'll be better placed to know what's what.

What is in a standard Sky TV contract?

When you get a Sky TV deal, you have to sign a contract. Your contract for Sky TV sets out the rights and responsibilities of you personally and of Sky (and the Sky Subscription Service also known as SSSL). The contract doesn't affect your statutory consumer rights.

There are a few very basic clauses in your contract with Sky that you need to be aware of but that are simply laid out for you. These include that fact that you have to be over 18 to sign it in the first place. Also laid out are: the complaints procedure, the definitions of words and terms used in the contract, and a list of the channels you've chosen. Then there are some slightly more detailed matters.

Bear in mind that if you take up any special offers during the time you have a contract with Sky, those offers may affect your existing contract. So, what to look out for?

So, here are some of the main points to consider in the Sky TV contract.

What does your Sky TV contract cover?

Among other things: Where you can view Sky TV, what happens when your contract expires, who out of Sky and yourself is responsible for things like equipment, notifications of change of details, and price changes. So, let's look at some of the important details.

• Contract length – This is the minimum period of time you're contracted to Sky TV. After this expires you can cancel your service without any penalty fee. It's up to you to cancel, Sky TV will keep on billing you after the minimum subscription term expires – there is no maximum term
• Services covered – Your standard contract covers the package and the equipment and installation procedures and prices you chose at check-out. The standard contract does not cover additional items such as pay-per-view and other one-off programs or services
• Changes to service and price – Your Sky TV contract explains that, yes, prices can change during your minimum subscription period. It also explains how much notice it has to give you before changing the price or the service
• Cooling off period – If you sign up for Sky TV but for whatever reason you no longer want or need it, you have a 'cooling off period' of 14 days in which you can cancel and get a full refund.. This section tells you when this period starts and ends. It tells you how to cancel. It also tells you that it's your responsibility to return all equipment or face a penalty. It also explains how and when Sky must refund any outstanding monies may have taken from your account

What is in a standard Sky broadband contract?

When you get a Sky broadband deal, you have to sign a contract. Your contract for Sky broadband sets out the rights and responsibilities of you personally and of Sky (and the Sky Subscription Service also known as SSSL) in relation to your use of Sky broadband. The contract doesn't affect your statutory consumer rights.

There are a few very basic clauses in your contract with Sky that you need to be aware of but that are simply laid out for you. These include that fact that you have to be over 18 to sign it in the first place. Also laid out are: the complaints procedure, the definitions of words and terms used in the contract, and a things like the speeds you can expect. It also details the Usage policy (also known as the Acceptable Use Policy or 'AUP'. Then there are some slightly more detailed and technical matters.

Bear in mind that if you take up any special offers during the time you have a contract with Sky, those offers may affect your existing contract.

So, here are some of the main points to consider in the Sky broadband contract.

• Contract length – There is no maximum length of contract, only a minimum term. It is your responsibility to cancel at the end of the minimum term. If you don't it will roll-over and you will continue to pay for it
• Changes to your service and price – Your Sky broadband contract explains that, yes, prices can change during your minimum subscription period. It also explains how much notice it has to give you before changing the price or the service
• Equipment ownership – No, Sky retains ownership of all the equipment it supplies to you. If you decide to cancel at the end of your minimum term, you must return the equipment or allow Sky to collect it, or you may face a penalty charge
• Your speed guarantee – Your Sky broadband contract lays out what to expect of expected average download (when get something from the internet) and upload (when you send something) speeds only
• Cancellation – As it says on the tin, this section tells you how go cancel, when you can cancel, what happens with refunds or money you owe, and what must happen to the Sky-supplied equipment when you cancel.
• Cooling off period – If you sign up for Sky broadband but for whatever reason you no longer want or need it, you have a 'cooling off period' of 14 days in which you can cancel and get a full refund. This section tells you when this period starts and ends. It tells you how to cancel. It also tells you that it's your responsibility to return all equipment or face a penalty. It also explains how and when Sky must refund any outstanding monies may have taken from your account

How does Sky broadband billing work?

Included in your contract with Sky broadband will be details of how you can pay for your services. This is currently on page 31 of the standard Sky broadband contract. Here's what you need to know:

How can you pay for Sky broadband?

Payment to Sky is made by Direct Debit from your bank account, by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. You can't pay by Maestro or American Express. You can change your payment method online, using the My Sky app, and also using your Sky broadband remote. You can't pay your subscription payment over the phone. You can pay for one-off offers or new equipment over the phone.

Do you pay in advance for installation?

Yes, you do. Sky broadband will take any installation and equipment charges in advance of carrying out any work and of activating any service.

When does billing start?

Your first billing period starts on the same day as your Sky broadband connection is activated by Sky. You are billed one-month in advance. Very occasionally this might not mean the day it is installed.

When do I pay my Sky broadband bill?

Sky broadband is billed monthly. You can change the date the payment comes out of your account. You can do this online, via the My Sky app, and by using your Sky remote.

Can Sky broadband take money from my account?

Yes, if you've set up a Direct Debit with Sky, then the company can legitimately take money owed to it from your account or card.

How much notice will I get if Sky increases prices?

Sky broadband must give you notice if the price of your deal is going to rise or fall. This part of the contract explains that Sky is obliged to give you 31 days notice. This notice period still doesn't mean you can cancel your service early.

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