How to switch between Sky and Virgin Media

Dan Howdle • March 24th, 2023

Are you ditching Sky for Virgin Media or vice versa? Perhaps you’re tempted by Virgin Media’s super-speedy broadband, or you fancy a Sky TV and broadband bundle?

Virgin Media and Sky use different networks. Virgin has its own cable network while Sky uses the Openreach network. But this doesn’t mean switching between the two providers has to be complicated. This guide explains how to switch between Sky and Virgin Media, from who to contact to how long it all takes.

Decide which services you want to switch

Sky and Virgin Media both offer triple-play deals: phone line rental, broadband and a TV service bundled together for one monthly price. However, you might want a TV service from one provider, and phone and broadband from another. Or perhaps you want to do away with a paid-for TV service and rely on Freeview, and just buy broadband.

In either case, work out what you want to switch, what you want to keep, and what you can live without. Be careful when you compare deals. Both Sky and Virgin Media tend to lure you in with cheap prices that increase 18 or 24 months later. And you can't have Virgin TV without Virgin Media Broadband, but you can get Sky TV on its own, so consider how that might affect your switch or your decision to switch.

Whichever way you’re switching, you’ll need to check whether your required services from Sky or Virgin Media are available in your area by choosing one of the options below.

Compare and choose a new deal

If you have a Sky Broadband Superfast package with Sky and you can’t yet get Sky Full FIbre, you can get faster speeds with Virgin Media. Virgin offers speeds ranging from just 50Mbps to over 1000Mbps with its Gig1 package to all its customers.

If it’s really fast broadband you want, you’re equally likely to be able to access Virgin’s network and Sy Full Fibre, since both are available to around 60% of the UK. However, many people may just prefer Sky due to its TV packages. All Sky TV customers get Sky Entertainment and you can add on movies, sports, kids TV and so on, although pretty much the same is on offer with Virgin, with the exception of Sky Atlantic, wich you can't get on Virgin TV.

Whether you’re seeking a single service or a bundle, finding the best deal is easiest when all the information you need is in one place. Our broadband comparison pages take out a lot of the click-work, meaning you can compare features, costs and contracts simply and effectively.

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You no longer need to talk to both providers

Switching between Virgin Media and other providers is no trickier than switching between two providers that both use Openreach. Virgin Media runs its own cable network, which uses different phone lines, cabinets and cables to the providers on Openreach. You used to have to inform Virgin Media if you're leaving them for Sky, and inform Sky if you're leaving them for Virgin Media, but now that's all done automatically.

Check your current contract

If you’re still within the minimum period of your contract with either Sky or Virgin Media, you may have to pay termination fees. This won’t apply if your minimum term has already passed, and you should be able to cancel without any trouble.

Sky will credit your account with up to £100 if Virgin charges you termination fees. You’ll have to pay the fees first and will then need to send a copy of your final Virgin Media bill along with your proof of payment to Sky in order to claim your £100 credit.

Both Sky and Virgin Media will be reluctant to let you go. If you call to cancel, they are likely to transfer you to their retentions department where you may be offered cheaper deals and other incentives to stay. These offers may be worth considering before you make your final decision to switch.

Conclusion

Switching between Sky and Virgin Media isn’t quite as straightforward as switching between two providers that both use the Openreach network (that’s most providers apart from Virgin Media). But it needn’t be a major hassle if you plan ahead, do your research and are sure of your decision.

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