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If you’re moving home as a Sky customer, it’s worth taking a few key steps during your move so you don’t lose access to your TV and broadband services.
This guide answers some key questions for Sky customers:
- Can I take my contract with me?
- What if Sky doesn’t cover my new area?
- What happens to my equipment?
Keep reading for key advice for moving home with Sky TV and Broadband.
You can switch your existing broadband to your new home yourself, or add a new Sky TV and broadband to a One Utility Bill package to let the team handle the setup for you.
Get a quote to create your custom bills package or keep reading if you’d prefer to handle the Sky moving home process on your own.
Sky’s broadband is a reliable, well-established choice for UK customers, connecting millions of homes. Sky also offers TV packages, and its customers watched over two billion hours of TV in the first six months of 2024.
Sky is a great choice for home movers who want to put TV and broadband into one service. This guide will be helpful for people in these three positions:
- Existing Sky customer: You have a Sky contract and need to know how to transfer your service to your new home, or change your package, but stay with Sky.
- New Sky customer: Getting set up with a new Sky contract in your new home can mean you get new customer deals and can set up a monthly bill package with One Utility Bill.
- Leaving Sky for a new service: Moving away from Sky because of coverage issues or any other reason.
For customers who want Sky TV and broadband in their new home:
The first step is to check Sky’s coverage and speed in your area. You can do this using Sky’s broadband checker tool.
If you don’t want Sky services, or want to check your options:
You can use Ofcom’s postcode checker to see which broadband providers cover your new area.
Image: Ofcom postcode checker
Leaving Sky?
If Sky doesn’t cover your new area, use the Ofcom tool to see who provides broadband to your new postcode.
Remember, you can set up a One Utility Bill package and let the team handle broadband and other utility setup for you! A package also simplifies your finances by putting your chosen utilities into one, easy monthly payment.
Now we’ve covered leaving Sky, let's look at the difference between new and existing customers.
Current Sky customer transferring service
You’ve checked and Sky is available in your new home! This means you can transfer your service to your new address. Here’s how the moving home process works with Sky:
- Tell Sky you’re moving: The provider asks for 2-4 weeks' notice to get everything ready, but you can inform them up to 90 days before the move. They will also check that your current package and speeds are available at your new address.
- Choose a package: You can stick with your existing package. But if you want to upgrade or downgrade, tell Sky’s moving home team to get this sorted ahead of the move.
- Book an installation: Depending on the new property, you may be able to self-install Sky. Some properties need an engineer visit, which can take a few weeks. That’s why it’s so important to get this booked in advance of the move if you can.
- Calculate charges: Sky does not typically charge for a basic home move, unlike other providers. However, there may be setup fees (such as installing a new phone line) if you’re moving to a new package, for example.
- Pack up your equipment: Don’t forget to take your TV box, router, and any relevant wires with you in the move. You may be charged for replacements.
- Move in and test your connection: Once installed, the connection should work immediately. If there are any problems, Sky offers a 24/7 switch support service.
New Sky customer
As above, check if Sky is available at your new address. Then you can start the following process:
- Go direct or with One Utility Bill: Browse Sky’s TV and broadband deals on their website, or check out the options and exclusive deals offered through One Utility Bill, and let them deal with the rest of the process.
- Choose a package: Sky offers both TV and broadband packages, so check them against your budget, TV, and internet use to find a package that works for you.
- Locate sockets and ports: If you have access to your new home (or can ask the existing owners or tenants), it’s worth finding out where the plug sockets and ports are to help Sky to determine whether you need an engineer visit.
- Book installation: Sky requests 2-4 weeks (max. 90 days) notice for setting up in a new property. Sky will send equipment to your new address for the setup. If the property needs any engineering work, you might have to wait a few weeks. For tenants, you’ll need written permission from landlords before any structural work can be done to the property. They’re usually happy to grant this; it’s in their interests to have good broadband options.
- Test your connection: Everything should be ready to go. If you have any issues, check Sky’s service status or contact them directly to troubleshoot.
Sky setup is usually straightforward, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind for first-time buyers and renters:
Sky considerations for first-time buyers
- Know your budget: You might be tempted to pick the most expensive package, but it’s worth calculating what you can afford and working backwards from there. Your other monthly outgoings, like your mortgage, utilities, and council tax all need to be considered. Simplifying your finances with a fixed package from One Utility Bill can make budgeting much easier with predictable utility outgoings for 12 months.
- Plan your schedule: It can take an average of 2-3 weeks (sometimes longer) to send a broadband engineer to a property. Once you have your moving date, try to book the visit in advance so you can get online as quickly as possible. Using your mobile data to hotspot could be an added expense if your broadband isn’t sorted in time for your move.
- Check the layout: Identify plug sockets and phone ports in the main living spaces. If the property is particularly large, you might need WiFi extenders to boost the signal.
Sky considerations for renters
- Determine who’s responsible for TV and broadband: Typically, a tenant can choose their TV and broadband provider, but in some scenarios (e.g. student accommodation, HMOs) the landlord might include the cost of broadband into rent, which likely means you don’t get to choose your provider or package.
- Check contract length: Sky may not be the best choice for short-term renters, as their typical contract length is 24 months. If you move after six or 12 months, and your new place doesn’t have Sky coverage, you might be unable to transfer your service and may therefore be liable for early exit fees. Getting Sky as part of your One Utility Bill package is a great way to get Sky’s amazing offers without a lengthy contract.
- Tenants - Ask landlord permission: If any structural changes are needed for installation, you’ll need written permission from your landlord. It’s rare for a landlord to object to this, because a good broadband connection adds value to a property, but if this argument doesn’t sway them, you’ll need to find another broadband option. Your letting agent may help speak to your landlord if needed.
While Sky does not typically charge a moving fee for existing customers, there may still be other charges to get you online. Here are some of the common fees to be aware of:
- Cooling-off period and early termination fees: Sky offers a 31-day cooling-off period where you can cancel your service without charge. If you end your contract after that period but before the minimum period, you will have to pay an early exit fee. Learn more about exit fees on the Sky website.
- Equipment fees: Sky provides TV and broadband equipment to customers free of charge, but if you leave the service, you’ll need to send it back. If you fail to do so, you may be charged.
Moving home? Take Sky with you
No need to juggle multiple providers. One Utility Bill combines everything, including your gas, electricity, water, TV licence, Sky TV, and broadband, into one simple monthly bill. So you can settle into your new place while we handle the setup. Contact us to sign up.