Sky

Sky for Armed Forces Families

Sky's been around since 1990, providing TV, broadband, and mobile packages across the UK. Whether you're after reliable internet for a family posting, sports channels to keep up with the rugby, or just something decent for the kids to watch, Sky covers most bases. They've got shops around the country and you can sort everything online. Packages vary depending on what you need—TV only, broadband only, or bundles that cover the lot.

What Sky Offers

Sky sells a range of services:

• TV packages—Sky channels, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, Netflix bundles
• Broadband—Superfast, Ultrafast, and Ultrafast Plus
• Mobile—SIM-only plans and phone contracts
• Bundles—TV and broadband together

You can build your own package or go for one of their pre-set deals. If you only watch certain channels, building your own makes more sense financially.

Is There a Forces Discount?

Sky doesn't currently offer a specific military discount for serving personnel or veterans. Most of their promotional deals are aimed at new customers signing up for the first time. However, we do provide you with the best money saver deals on this page. See the list above for all offers! Existing customers can sometimes access loyalty offers through Sky VIP (their free rewards programme), but these aren't forces-specific. Check the offers at the top of this page—we'll list any current deals worth using.

Sky TV Packages

Sky TV comes with different add-ons depending on what you watch:

• Sky Entertainment: Basic package with Sky channels and on-demand content
• Sky Sports: All the sport—football, rugby, cricket, F1, boxing
• Sky Cinema: Movies, including new releases
• Netflix: Can be bundled into your Sky package
• Kids channels: CBeebies, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and others

Prices vary depending on what you add. You can pick and choose rather than paying for channels you'll never use. Contracts are usually 18 months.

Sky Cinema Perks

If you've got Sky Cinema, you get two free Vue cinema tickets every month. Decent perk if you've got a Vue nearby and fancy an actual night out rather than watching from the sofa.

Sky Broadband

Sky offers three broadband tiers:

• Superfast: Average 59 Mbps download speed—fine for general use, streaming, and a few devices
• Ultrafast: Average 145 Mbps—better for busier households with multiple users
• Ultrafast Plus: Average 285 Mbps—fastest option, overkill for most people unless you're running a lot of devices

Prices start around £28 per month for Superfast and go up from there. All packages are unlimited data, which is important if you're streaming or gaming regularly.

How Long Does It Take to Get Connected?

If you're switching from another provider, it usually takes about two weeks. If you're already with Sky and upgrading your broadband speed, it can be activated within 48 hours. Sky Fibre covers around 95% of UK households. If you're moving to a new base or posting, check their website to see if your new address is covered.

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile offers both SIM-only plans and phone contracts. SIM-only is cheaper if you've already got a phone. Plans are based on how much data you need per month—anything from a few GB to unlimited. You can add extra SIMs or devices to your plan if you're sorting out phones for the whole family. Pricing's competitive, and if you're already a Sky TV or broadband customer, you get some added perks like rolling over unused data.

Moving Home with Sky

If you're posted or relocating, Sky VIP members can move their service for free. You need to give two weeks' notice, your moving date, and your new address. They'll sort the switch-off at your old place and set-up at the new one. If you're not VIP, there might be fees involved, so it's worth checking when you book the move. Given how often forces families relocate, this is something to factor in.

Sky VIP Loyalty Programme

All Sky customers are automatically enrolled in Sky VIP for free. The longer you're with them, the more perks you get—things like free event tickets, competitions, and exclusive offers. It's not groundbreaking, but if you're a long-term customer it's nice to get something back occasionally.

Ways to Save Money

Here's how to keep costs down: Build your own package. Don't pay for channels you won't watch. If you're only bothered about Sky Sports or movies, just add those. Deals page. Sky's website has a deals section with current offers on TV, broadband, and mobile. Worth checking before you commit to anything. Bundles. Combining TV and broadband is usually cheaper than buying them separately. Refer a friend. If someone you know is joining Sky, use the referral scheme. You both get vouchers—up to £125 depending on the package they sign up for. Negotiate when your contract's up. When your 18 months is nearly done, call them. Threaten to leave and they'll usually offer you a better deal to stay. It's annoying, but it works.

Common Questions

Does Sky offer a military discount?

No. Sky doesn't currently have a dedicated discount for Armed Forces personnel or veterans. Most deals are for new customers, though existing customers can sometimes access loyalty offers through Sky VIP.

Can I use a discount code with Sky?

Discount codes for Sky are aimed at new customers and usually apply when you're signing up for a package. Check the offers listed on this page for any current codes.

What happens if I need to cancel my Sky contract early?

If you cancel before your contract ends, you'll usually have to pay an early termination fee. This covers the remaining months on your contract. If you're moving somewhere Sky doesn't cover, they might waive the fee—worth asking.

Can I pause my Sky subscription if I'm deployed?

Sky doesn't offer a pause option for deployments. You'd need to either keep paying or cancel and face the early termination fee. Worth contacting them directly to see if they'll make an exception, but it's not guaranteed.

Is Sky broadband any good?

It's reliable. Not the fastest or cheapest out there, but it does the job. Customer service can be hit or miss depending on when you call and who you get.

How do I contact Sky if I've got a problem?

Sky's website has a help section with troubleshooting guides for most issues. If that doesn't sort it, you can call them or use the online chat. They also have physical stores if you prefer speaking to someone face-to-face.

Is Sky Worth It?

Sky's decent if you want everything in one place—TV, broadband, mobile. The convenience of having it all on one bill and being able to manage it through one account is handy, especially when you're juggling work and family commitments. It's not the cheapest option, and the lack of a forces discount is disappointing. But if you time it right with a new customer deal or negotiate when your contract's ending, you can keep the cost reasonable. Check back here before signing up—we'll post any discount codes or offers for Sky as soon as they're available.