Don't read all the bad press - they're actually pretty good! (See Sky TV)

Member Name: FraggleFan

Product:	See Sky TV
Date:	10/08/08 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good choice, Sky+, good service

Disadvantages: Hmm, not really found any!

I decided to write this view to perhaps even out the mostly negative feedback Sky has been given on this site, by sharing my experiences with Sky. I am not employed by Sky, I hasten to add, it's just that Sky have been pretty good to me after some absolutely abysmal service from other providers. I also don't see the point in going into detail about what Sky offers as it has previously been done rather well on here, and I can't compete!

I decided to go for the three part package with Sky - TV, broadband and phone, and signed up accordingly. I phoned my previous broadband provider for my MAC code, who appeared to think it was covered by the official secrets act, and in no way should I be able to access it. Eventually I managed to get this holy grail and passed it onto Sky. I was given an installation date for my satellite dish (chosen by me) and I also chose that Sky provided my line rental, so that was also sorted out. On the day of the installation I received a call first thing to let me know when the installer was due to arrive, and also received a call from the installer shortly before he arrived. The whole thing took about half an hour and we were up and running. The telephone service took slightly longer to come into effect, but I received letters detailing what was going on at all stages, and there was no noticeable break in service. The broadband also took slightly longer, and in fact is the only complaint I have with Sky. They forgot to tell me when it was online, so for a week I waited without broadband when it was actually working! A quick call to their customer services and that was resolved.

I've now been with Sky for about 10 months and I have to say I'm very happy with the service I get. The tv package is extensive, with enough choices for what I could possibly need. In comparison to both my parents and my boyfriend who have Virgin, there has been no major breaks in service, only occasionally the picture breaking up when there is severe weather. The telephone package I went for is the free one, where I get free evening and weekend calls. I pay £10 a month line rental (cheaper than BT) and I think my calls total £2 a month. Admittedly I work full time, so I'm not home during the day, however, it's fantastic value for a service you get for free!

The broadband is very reliable. My parents (with Virgin) often have no internet access due to the server being down, I have never had this problem. In terms of speed, I went for the middle option, where I pay £5 a month. It's more than adequate for myself, especially since my laptop is almost geriatric, so if anything's slowing the process down, it'll be that. Admittedly I don't do a whole lot of downloading, so if that's what you spend most of your time doing, then this would probably not be the best option.

Any time I've phoned customer services, the service has been very good and the problem has been resolved quickly. I access my bill through my tv, which is ideal when you can't be bothered booting up your pc. Very easy to navigate. The webpage is also a fund of information, and the competitions are excellent. I won two tickets to see the Cirque du Soleil premiere in London with tickets to the after show party. My father, a huge circus fan enjoyed that with my mother.

Oh, and Sky+. I have this and could not live without it. One button pressing to record programmes, another button to ask it to record entire series. An absolute necessity for me!

Summary: Great prices, great packages, great service!