Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
Customers of Sky Broadband’s “superfast” (part-fibre) packages (FTTC or SOGEA), specifically those living in areas where Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) lines now exist from either Openreach or CityFibre’s networks, have started to receive Texts (SMS) and WhatsApp messages inviting them to upgrade to their Full Fibre 100Mbps (18Mbps upload) service “at no extra charge“.
So far as ISPreview can tell, the new programme appears to have started a few weeks ago, although it’s recently started to ramp-up with more invitations going out. We suspect it’s no coincidence that this is occurring shortly after Sky Broadband introduced support for CityFibre’s cheaper and faster network (here), which reaches around 4.5 million UK premises (Openreach’s FTTP covers 19 million). Sky also benefits from volume discounts when upgrading customers on to Openreach’s FTTP lines.
Suffice to say that it makes sense for Sky Broadband to upgrade customers to full fibre once it becomes available in an area (other providers, such as TalkTalk, have similar programmes). But doing so at scale often has to be carefully managed and phased over time to avoid over-stretching engineering resources.
The upgrades will naturally require an engineer’s visit to install the new line to your home, as well as an optical modem (ONT / ONU) and router (some customers will already have their latest router). But take note that vulnerable customers with incompatible telecare alarm systems won’t yet be able to take advantage of this programme.
Sky is home to somewhere around 5.5 to 5.7 million broadband customers and most of those will probably still be on part-fibre connections, which gives some indication as to the scale of such a programme and why it has to be carefully managed. But it’s also possible to request the upgrade directly, provided you’re in an area where FTTP is available from the aforementioned networks.
Customers who are successfully upgraded will usually not be able to move back to their old connection later (FTTC will eventually be retired), won’t pay more per month than they currently do, should retain their existing Sky Talk phone number (if you have one) and your existing contract term will NOT be changed (e.g. if you had 3 months left until end of term then that will stay the same).
Sky’s Full Fibre At No Extra Cost FAQ
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/full-fibre-broadband-at-no-extra-cost