Sky phases out Sky+ boxes in favour of Sky Q

Sky is phasing out its Sky+ boxes, making all new customers opt for its latest-generation Sky Q advanced TV service.

The move, which was introduced last week, means that the 1TB version of the Sky Q box will now be included with all Sky TV bundles, including the entry-level ‘original bundle’ which is available for £20 a month.

Sky+ HD boxes will only be made available to new customers who are not able take a Sky Q box – for instance customers who live in flats where building management has not allowed Sky to enable Sky Q in the building.

Sky said that the decision was triggered by the good reaction Sky Q has had since launch, and that it will continue to update and replace Sky+ boxes for the millions of customers already using these.

With the migration to Sky Q, the UK operator said it Sky Q Multiscreen will be available for £12 extra a month or at no extra monthly cost
for existing Sky+ multiscreen customers. This will allow users to watch Sky TV in another room with a Sky Q Mini Box.

New and existing customers will pay the same install fee of £15 when they upgrade to the Sky Q 1TB box with Sky Q Multiscreen, or £60 if they choose the Sky Q 2TB box with Sky Q Multiscreen.

Sky first unveiled Sky Q last November and launched it in the the UK and Ireland in February as a high-end alternative to its existing line of TV products – Sky+ and the standalone Now TV streaming service.