Sky Announces Mixed News for Customers: Price Hikes and Streaming Savings
Sky has confirmed significant changes to its broadband and TV pricing structure, delivering a complex update that combines increased costs with substantial entertainment benefits. While most customers will face modest price rises, millions could save up to £240 annually through newly included streaming services.
Broadband and TV Package Adjustments
According to Sky's official announcement, broadband customers can expect an average increase of £3 per month on their bills. Television packages will see similar adjustments, with base and premium options rising between £1 and £3 monthly. These changes take effect from April 2026.
A Sky spokesperson explained the reasoning behind these adjustments: "From April, the prices of our Sky broadband and TV products will change. We always aim to limit the impact of price increases as much as possible, and our approach means Sky customers continue to see some of the lowest increases in the market."
The spokesperson further elaborated: "These updates will allow us to continue investing in delivering fast broadband, the best entertainment and live sport, and services our customers can rely on, while managing rising costs faced across the industry."
Streaming Service Inclusion Creates Major Savings
The most significant development involves Sky's television packages now including multiple premium streaming services as standard. Netflix, which was already part of certain bundles, will be joined by Disney+ and HBO Max across all TV packages.
This inclusion represents approximately £20 worth of streaming applications each month. When calculated annually, this translates to potential savings of £240 for customers who would otherwise purchase these subscriptions separately.
HBO Max UK Launch Details
HBO Max will officially launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Thursday, March 26, 2026. This marks the completion of HBO Max's European rollout, with the UK being the final European country to receive the service following its initial introduction in Nordic countries in 2021.
The streaming platform will offer four distinct entertainment plans:
- Basic ad-supported tier: £4.99 per month
- Standard tier with advertisements: £5.99 per month
- Standard tier without advertisements: £9.99 per month
- Premium top tier plan: £14.99 per month
The premium plan provides comprehensive features including simultaneous streaming on up to four devices, 4K Ultra HD viewing with Dolby Atmos support, and the ability to download up to one hundred titles for offline viewing.
Customer Impact and Industry Context
While price increases are never welcome news for consumers, Sky's approach attempts to balance rising operational costs with enhanced value. The inclusion of multiple streaming services addresses the growing demand for comprehensive entertainment packages in an increasingly competitive market.
Customers will need to evaluate whether the additional streaming benefits offset the modest price increases to their broadband and television services. For those already subscribing to Netflix, Disney+, or planning to access HBO Max, the bundled approach could represent significant financial savings despite the base price adjustments.
