ckn Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 For those of you, like me, who get free BT Sport as part of BT Broadband: I tend to just stick BT's Champions League spam letters straight in the shredder but one today annoyed me. It's worth being aware that unless you actively downgrade your package to BT Sport Lite by tomorrow that you'll be charged £5 a month for the privilege of subsidising BT's football expenditure. This is the classic bait & switch that has had banks fined over the years and is quite cynical really. BT have fallen into the same tactic as Sky by bundling football with the other sports and assuming that those of us who like other sports will put up with having to subsidise football just to get our fix of our preferred sports. They then increase the fee year after year, knowing that once we've accepted the first increase that we'll accept them every year. I've downgraded and sent them a snotty email reminding them that bait & switch tactics like this are illegal and tend to get fines from regulators. "When in deadly danger, when beset by doubt; run in little circles, wave your arms and shout" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I downgraded a few weeks ago, but the good news is you still get to watch the premiership rugby (albeit not the European games). I wasn't aware that this kind of thing was illegal, I assumed it was just immoral. I switched our home line to BT from Talk Talk when my employer switched my office line to BT business, from BT domestic, so I lost access to the BT Sports App. Really not interested in subsidising football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber Avenger Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 BT have fallen into the same tactic as Sky by bundling football with the other sports and assuming that those of us who like other sports will put up with having to subsidise football just to get our fix of our preferred sports. I really do wonder when the tipping point is going to be for this. The latest Premier League contract is almost obscene and as time goes on there are more and more sports fans that are getting gradually annoyed with subsidising football. I know you are talking about BT, but Sky aren’t untouchable and if the Premier League goes up in value again in the next two contracts over the next decade, they are presumably at some point going to have to up the price further and/or cut coverage of other sports. Both companies are playing a dangerous game as many people are into sport but can do without football. I do think there is a market for a channel that is basically Sky Sports but not football, but it’d be so hard to start up with Sky holding a lot of the rights. Back to BT – this is very sneaky, presumably the know it’s illegal and just don’t care? Perhaps it’s the only way they can get people to “buy in” to the channel, as I don’t think casual people are really that bothered by the Champions League that they’ll pay a fiver a month to watch it, whereas they probably would if it was the Premier League. Doesn’t make it right though. SQL Honours Play off mini league winner - 2002. Bronze Medalist - 2003. Big Split Group Winner - 2006. Minor Stupidship - 2005, 2006. Cup Silver Medalist - 2008, 2009 CHAMPION - 2005, 2009, 2010 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckn Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 I really do wonder when the tipping point is going to be for this. The latest Premier League contract is almost obscene and as time goes on there are more and more sports fans that are getting gradually annoyed with subsidising football. I know you are talking about BT, but Sky aren’t untouchable and if the Premier League goes up in value again in the next two contracts over the next decade, they are presumably at some point going to have to up the price further and/or cut coverage of other sports. Both companies are playing a dangerous game as many people are into sport but can do without football. I do think there is a market for a channel that is basically Sky Sports but not football, but it’d be so hard to start up with Sky holding a lot of the rights. Back to BT – this is very sneaky, presumably the know it’s illegal and just don’t care? Perhaps it’s the only way they can get people to “buy in” to the channel, as I don’t think casual people are really that bothered by the Champions League that they’ll pay a fiver a month to watch it, whereas they probably would if it was the Premier League. Doesn’t make it right though. The thing is that it's everywhere in these contracts. For example, the "offer" I received today was: - Downgrade to BT Sports Lite - Do nothing and get billed £5 for extra football - Get it within BT TV for £0* (with the £0* qualified as "we can start charging anytime we see fit and you're still contracted to us whether you like it or not") If that BT TV deal was genuinely £0 for the lifetime of the contract then I would take them up on it because they're the only ones who will be showing the new Walking Dead spin-off series. I won't be going for it though as it's damnably sneaky tying me into a contract that can change from £0 to whatever they like and I'm tied in. If they did charge then it'd be an immediate cancellation if I could because it would still give me less than Netflix or Amazon Prime and I can get the free channels through Sky for nothing anyway. And these companies wonder why people download stuff illegally. I've stopped my Sky Movies and will be pulling my Sky Sports as soon as the RL season is over, probably not to renew next year even if that means I can't get RL games on telly any more. BT don't care about doing illegal acts. Same as the other corporates from everything from selling your data illegally to outright fraud in the banks, they'll get nothing bar an impersonal slap on the wrists through a fine that they'll recoup by increasing their charges to us. "When in deadly danger, when beset by doubt; run in little circles, wave your arms and shout" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim2 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I'm pretty sure Sky are amortizing the Premier League costs across the whole Sky customer base, not just the Sports customers. I'm getting fed up of it now. I'm going to ditch Sky Sports in November and will start threatening a move away if they continue putting the prices up for no good reason. "I am the avenging angel; I come with wings unfurled, I come with claws extended from halfway round the world. I am the God Almighty, I am the howling wind. I care not for your family; I care not for your kin. I come in search of terror, though terror is my own; I come in search of vengeance for crimes and crimes unknown. I care not for your children, I care not for your wives, I care not for your country, I care not for your lives." - (c) Jim Boyes - "The Avenging Angel" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckn Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 I'm pretty sure Sky are amortizing the Premier League costs across the whole Sky customer base, not just the Sports customers. I'm getting fed up of it now. I'm going to ditch Sky Sports in November and will start threatening a move away if they continue putting the prices up for no good reason. Same with BT. Buy any BT product and you're subsidising their idiot contract for football. "When in deadly danger, when beset by doubt; run in little circles, wave your arms and shout" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister C Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Any recommendations as to what would be the cheapest way of doing everything i.e Broadband, line rental etc? I only watch freeview i do like my superfast broadband i don't use my house phone! i currently have BT for all of that including BT vision Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Any recommendations as to what would be the cheapest way of doing everything i.e Broadband, line rental etc? I only watch freeview i do like my superfast broadband i don't use my house phone! i currently have BT for all of that including BT vision http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-broadband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trojan Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I downgraded a few weeks ago, but the good news is you still get to watch the premiership rugby (albeit not the European games). I wasn't aware that this kind of thing was illegal, I assumed it was just immoral. I switched our home line to BT from Talk Talk when my employer switched my office line to BT business, from BT domestic, so I lost access to the BT Sports App. Really not interested in subsidising football. Apparently a lot of RL fans feel the same. According to LE they are cancelling their Sky subscription in droves. I haven't cancelled mine BTW. But then I never had one to cancel. I'm a huge RL fan. I like Union and I love Test cricket, but I wouldn't wipe my backside on any of Murdoch's publications, he is the worst thing that's happened to the British media in my memory. “Few thought him even a starter.There were many who thought themselves smarter. But he ended PM, CH and OM. An Earl and a Knight of the Garter.” Clement Attlee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckn Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 Apparently a lot of RL fans feel the same. According to LE they are cancelling their Sky subscription in droves. I haven't cancelled mine BTW. But then I never had one to cancel. I'm a huge RL fan. I like Union and I love Test cricket, but I wouldn't wipe my backside on any of Murdoch's publications, he is the worst thing that's happened to the British media in my memory. If Sky are given the choice between not increasing their football bid next time and renewing or severely cutting their RL contract, I know exactly what'll get cut. "When in deadly danger, when beset by doubt; run in little circles, wave your arms and shout" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 If Sky are given the choice between not increasing their football bid next time and renewing or severely cutting their RL contract, I know exactly what'll get cut. Which serves to remind us how dependent most major sports have become on their TV money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerjon Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 If Sky are given the choice between not increasing their football bid next time and renewing or severely cutting their RL contract, I know exactly what'll get cut. I suspect this is one of the reasons the rights for Super League were sold so quickly and in advance. Not that I think either they or you are necessarily right but the football behemoth does distort what other sports get and how attractive they stay. Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life. (Terry Pratchett) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister C Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-broadbandThanksDoes anyone use plusnet? Any good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trojan Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Which serves to remind us how dependent most major sports have become on their TV money. Which just indicates why it was a bad idea to get into bed with Murdoch in the first place. Rugby League was virtually the foundation of Sky Sport's offer 25 years ago. Now they don't give a flying ---- about it. “Few thought him even a starter.There were many who thought themselves smarter. But he ended PM, CH and OM. An Earl and a Knight of the Garter.” Clement Attlee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Which just indicates why it was a bad idea to get into bed with Murdoch in the first place. Rugby League was virtually the foundation of Sky Sport's offer 25 years ago. Now they don't give a flying ---- about it. I fear RU's tie-up with BT sport may also prove a poisoned chalice. Football is their ultimate goal (sorry), other sports are purely there for novelty value and to subsidise the ridiculous contracts they sign to show soccer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeordieSaint Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 <Snip> Thanks for the warning; I had forgotten about this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Padge Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Virgin have just upped their Sports subscription by £3 but have kindly given me some BT sports Euro Soccer channel I don't want. Cancelling is becoming a serious option at the end of this season. Visit my photography site www.padge.smugmug.com Radio 5 Live: Saturday 14 April 2007 Dave Whelan "In Wigan rugby will always be king" This country's wealth was created by men in overalls, it was destroyed by men in suits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Willow Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Thanks Does anyone use plusnet? Any good? we have plus net have done so for some years. Not had any major problems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnM Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Plus net ..owned by BT? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Plus net ..owned by BT? Think so, sort of economy BT but apparently with far better customer service (not a big challenge I admit). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob8 Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Which just indicates why it was a bad idea to get into bed with Murdoch in the first place. Rugby League was virtually the foundation of Sky Sport's offer 25 years ago. Now they don't give a flying ---- about it. Back in 1995, rugby league had a choice of remaining a part-time sport on the edge of bankruptcy or taking an enormous amount of money. Oddly it decided the latter and you think this was a mistake. In a parallel Universe, you have your way. The Super League war continues and eventually Super League lose and the NRL is founded. Pretty similar. Rugby union goes open. Rugby league is Australia is damaged by the split. A few top UK rugby league players go to Australia to play rugby league, the large majority go to rugby union and play full tie rugby. With rugby union being the only full time option, St Helens RLFC and Wigan RLFC realise that they have to adopt rugby union and push all their efforts into the Liverpool St Helens set up and the Orrel RUFC (remamed Wigan Warriors RUFC). Liverpool St Helens RUFC and Wigan Warriors RUFC survive near teh top flight of rugby union. By 2015, teenagers have only known rugby union to be the full time version of rugby and the towns best teenage players want to play it. Rugby league survives as an amateur sport with some part time, like in France (where there never could be a full time club). Everyone admires the brave stance that Trojan took. England vs France becomes a competitive fixture again. "You clearly have never met Bob8 then, he's like a veritable Bryan Ferry of RL." - Johnoco 19 Jul 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Li0nhead Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 BT sport just splashed out on the 2017-18 Ashes down under and Australian domestic and international cricket: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34038149 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 BT sport just splashed out on the 2017-18 Ashes down under and Australian domestic and international cricket: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34038149 More price rises due anytime soon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Li0nhead Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 More price rises due anytime soon... Which will only stop when we stop accepting the price rises from BT/Virgin/Sky. Ok any other sport but football is a drop in the ocean. But it makes me wonder if we are approaching a lot of peoples tipping point in terms of willingness to pay. I have half considered dropping sky for the first time recently, and I am not going to shell out for BT sport as well as Sky. Overdue trying to get a deal off them again anyway...Another job for my week off work next week. Anyway. For me we are very close to that tipping point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roughyhead true Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 I hope/wonder if sky Will offer a football inclusive/exclusive sports offer. To be fair to them I think that's why they are spending money on entertainment and making so good stuff. The problem with this is advertisers. Sport is still the only medium that people watch collectively and live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.