yeah but there are alternatives,its not like people are forced ot sky.onl if they want sky and since progs EVENTUALLY get to freeview/terr' telly.you could argue the same of the BBC licence but thats a whole can of worms on its own.
virgin media
- Thread starter Jai
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virgin media
Yes but Sky are not just a broadcaster but also a reseller, they will possibly get into trouble for this, if it is shown to be anti-competitive rather than just necessary for Sky.
meh i work for virgin media or ntl what ever u want to call it, im an engineer (mardy assed guy who comes around houses to fit tv, modem and phone) since virgin took over workload has gone crazy, the V+ boxes are a very good bit of kit, bit slow and crash easy though but very good.
been pissed off past 2 weeks since virgin taken over as we are working like 11hours a day 5 days a week somtimes even 6, get paid per job not per hour and we dont want the workload half the time.
you cant fault their broadband service best in the UK
been pissed off past 2 weeks since virgin taken over as we are working like 11hours a day 5 days a week somtimes even 6, get paid per job not per hour and we dont want the workload half the time.
you cant fault their broadband service best in the UK
It's not a service it's a product. It is not limiting consumer choice as there are other companies providing other content. I think you misunderstand competition rules, they are not preventing other companies from offering competitive services or products from other companies. Virgin has exclusive content not available on Sky, if a consumer prefers that they have the choice to go to that service.
In fact if you look at Virgin they are using their position as a wired network to offer free phone and broadband as part of a TV package, something which is more costly for Sky to do yet this isn't considered unfair competition.
What won't be allowed is for Sky to buy Virgin and ITV and thereby control all methods of delivery.
Again, Sky are not just a provider but a reseller, by forcing people to use their product or miss out on certain content is anti-competitive. Whether the law will enforce it is remained to be seen yet.
You really don't understand this at all there is no law to apply, Sky own the channel and rights to the content just like ITV do for their's. Of course you can make people use your product and the content is part of the unique selling point. It is all about competition, if Sky bought Virgin then it would be anti competitive as it would prevent them from starting a rival service. It's not a right to get Sky channels, it is a pay service. It's just like the pay per view boxing or any other program.
For the Sky channels, Sky is the provider NOT a reseller. It would be different if it was distribution of the BBC channels.
Using your logic how could Virgin advertise unique content as a selling point, this would be against the law you quote.
I've been with NTL for ages. Their broadband service has been brilliant, with very helpful support.
I've also got the TV and the phone - the bundled package was a bit cheaper - even if I lost some broadband speed.
I couldn't care less about Sky really; but, my first Virgin bill came with only three of the five sheets.
I rang to ask for the other two, with the itemised calls, and had to run through the nightmare of a wholly de-personalised interrogation, designed to validate my identity. It was impossible to really know if I was speaking to a human or a machine (it was a human!). I was so incensed by the end that I suddenly feel the loss of the Sky I never wanted, or watched. A coincidental email from Virgin telling me how horrid Sky is and how wonderful Virgin are just made me grumpier.
If they would just cut the broadband cost to remain competitive ... but then, if they are gaining customers hand over fist, I guess this'll never happen!
I have top say that the fitters and suchlike have always been brilliant, and I like the service - or did.
I won't change provider, now, it would be too much of a hassle, but they really should do something big to gain market share now that Sky has gone.
Still, if LloydsTSB starts charging for in-credit accounts, as well as for credit cards, then I might just reach a critical level of anger and change the lot of them.:yuck:
I've also got the TV and the phone - the bundled package was a bit cheaper - even if I lost some broadband speed.
I couldn't care less about Sky really; but, my first Virgin bill came with only three of the five sheets.
I rang to ask for the other two, with the itemised calls, and had to run through the nightmare of a wholly de-personalised interrogation, designed to validate my identity. It was impossible to really know if I was speaking to a human or a machine (it was a human!). I was so incensed by the end that I suddenly feel the loss of the Sky I never wanted, or watched. A coincidental email from Virgin telling me how horrid Sky is and how wonderful Virgin are just made me grumpier.
If they would just cut the broadband cost to remain competitive ... but then, if they are gaining customers hand over fist, I guess this'll never happen!
I have top say that the fitters and suchlike have always been brilliant, and I like the service - or did.
I won't change provider, now, it would be too much of a hassle, but they really should do something big to gain market share now that Sky has gone.
Still, if LloydsTSB starts charging for in-credit accounts, as well as for credit cards, then I might just reach a critical level of anger and change the lot of them.:yuck:
the thing that annoyed me is that when Virgin took over NTL I got two identical letters from them saying that they had taken over, and how fabulous everything is going to be. But I was just angry that I got 2 letters because I have both broadband and telephone. Surely they should cross reference to save money, time and the environment, just makes them look incompetent!
got a letter through yesterday telling me of the great new virgin central channel.
another on demand style channel like the ones we already have.
however it tells me i can use the on demand service fro free for the next 3 months as there will be a £5 credit on my bill.
that would be great but on my package im meant to get them included anyway!
so i shall be seeing if my bill is going up!
another on demand style channel like the ones we already have.
however it tells me i can use the on demand service fro free for the next 3 months as there will be a £5 credit on my bill.
that would be great but on my package im meant to get them included anyway!
so i shall be seeing if my bill is going up!
Dear customer,
Let’s face it. Things would be pretty boring if choice didn’t exist. There’d be just one kind of airline to fly with. One type of car to drive. And if Sky had their way, there’d only be one place to get TV.
We thought we’d let you in on a few tricks they’ve been trying to get their way.
While we’ve continued to make Virgin Media channels like Living, Bravo and Challenge available to all Sky customers, Sky may withdraw their non-premium channels from Virgin Media’s service – in order to force you into switching service.
Virgin Media were willing to pay an increase in costs in order to get the complete range of Sky content and channels.
However, Sky have consistently demanded an increase that bears no relation to the channels’ market value.
We have refused to accept this increase, since it would mean absorbing significant costs ourselves, and passing the kind of price increase on to our customers that is simply unfair. We are not prepared to rip off our customers.
So Sky have picked up their ball and gone home.
As a Virgin company, we’re well used to the attempts of large corporations trying to manipulate markets, stifle competition and rip off consumers.
Luckily, we don’t think Sky’s the limit.
We think the future’s full of fresh entertainment and communication possibilities. And we’re looking forward to bringing them to you. With all the freedom and choice you deserve.
We’ve launched Virgin Central, a revolutionary type of TV channel, where programmes start and stop when you say so. This is only available on Virgin Media, since Sky don’t have the technology to be able to transmit it. What’s more, it’s available to every single one of our digital TV customers.
And there’s our unique on demand library. A giant collection of over 500 films, 1000 music videos, 100s of TV shows – all at your beck and call. You can access them at any time.
We’re not scared of competition, we welcome it.
To find out more, visit www.virginmedia.com/fairplay.
Yours,
Sir Richard Branson
Let’s face it. Things would be pretty boring if choice didn’t exist. There’d be just one kind of airline to fly with. One type of car to drive. And if Sky had their way, there’d only be one place to get TV.
We thought we’d let you in on a few tricks they’ve been trying to get their way.
While we’ve continued to make Virgin Media channels like Living, Bravo and Challenge available to all Sky customers, Sky may withdraw their non-premium channels from Virgin Media’s service – in order to force you into switching service.
Virgin Media were willing to pay an increase in costs in order to get the complete range of Sky content and channels.
However, Sky have consistently demanded an increase that bears no relation to the channels’ market value.
We have refused to accept this increase, since it would mean absorbing significant costs ourselves, and passing the kind of price increase on to our customers that is simply unfair. We are not prepared to rip off our customers.
So Sky have picked up their ball and gone home.
As a Virgin company, we’re well used to the attempts of large corporations trying to manipulate markets, stifle competition and rip off consumers.
Luckily, we don’t think Sky’s the limit.
We think the future’s full of fresh entertainment and communication possibilities. And we’re looking forward to bringing them to you. With all the freedom and choice you deserve.
We’ve launched Virgin Central, a revolutionary type of TV channel, where programmes start and stop when you say so. This is only available on Virgin Media, since Sky don’t have the technology to be able to transmit it. What’s more, it’s available to every single one of our digital TV customers.
And there’s our unique on demand library. A giant collection of over 500 films, 1000 music videos, 100s of TV shows – all at your beck and call. You can access them at any time.
We’re not scared of competition, we welcome it.
To find out more, visit www.virginmedia.com/fairplay.
Yours,
Sir Richard Branson
Go on there Richard!
I always thought Sky were fishy.. Always smelt of Rupert Murdoch and his dirty dealings.
I always thought Sky were fishy.. Always smelt of Rupert Murdoch and his dirty dealings.
Been with East Coast Cable / NTL / Virgin Media since they started. had a hard time with bills when I moved, but dare I say it alls OK now. Had Broadband M, Telephone M, TV XL & sports and movies Costing £73 now nagotiated all of the above plus V+ & multiroom all for £67.50 with free install.
If you want to negotiate dont ask customer services just request they put you through to disconnections as they have the power to cut you bills.
Happy negotiations all
If you want to negotiate dont ask customer services just request they put you through to disconnections as they have the power to cut you bills.
Happy negotiations all
Just watched the advert on Sky 1. It's really dirty tactics. Saying they've increased their funding for programmes yet Virgin Media want to drop Sky..
I can't see it being a good deal for the consumer whatever happens - unless SKY are forced to provide their channels at the price they were pre VM.
I can't see it being a good deal for the consumer whatever happens - unless SKY are forced to provide their channels at the price they were pre VM.
OP
OP
well the virgin media guys came round this morning, and installed the new box, and moved the old one upstairs, all is well, and i've started to record stuff too! (overhauling, oscars) and set up series links for csi and top gear, so far all is well in cable land
as for skyone, well means no 24 or new simpsons, but i think i can live without....
as for skyone, well means no 24 or new simpsons, but i think i can live without....
T if you have BB you can get all of those on torrents
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Right, what deals should I be aiming for here?!
Just had a word with them on the phone, and they have offered me Broadband XL, Telephone M and TV L for £37pcm
To be honest, I was content just going with TV M, so the L package looks just fine [I am not into sports/movies], I have no need for the V+ box, or any other boxes around the house, and most of my phone calls are done via the400 free minutes on my mobile.
My main product I want is the BB - 10Mb now, 20Mb as soon as it comes out, and a chance to upgrade to 50Mb once it launches.
So should I try and get more out of them? :chin:
Just had a word with them on the phone, and they have offered me Broadband XL, Telephone M and TV L for £37pcm
To be honest, I was content just going with TV M, so the L package looks just fine [I am not into sports/movies], I have no need for the V+ box, or any other boxes around the house, and most of my phone calls are done via the400 free minutes on my mobile.
My main product I want is the BB - 10Mb now, 20Mb as soon as it comes out, and a chance to upgrade to 50Mb once it launches.
So should I try and get more out of them? :chin:
That is a good deal, if it holds, its what I am on with them and am paying £65 pcm, no discounts available even though I have cancelled to go with SKY.
Steve
OP
OP
call them, the V+ box is £15 a month, but depending on the deal chosen can be included in the price
