Sky says its next generation Sky Q box will command a set-up cost of £99. The fee represents the lowest-ever installation fee for one of the platform’s premium products at launch.
The typical monthly cost for existing Sky+ customers will be an additional £12 on top of their monthly package. New customers will charged an ongoing monthly cost starting at £42.
The product will go on sale from Tuesday 9 February; installations will begin at the end of the month.
Stephen van Rooyen, Chief Marketing, Sales & Digital Officer, Sky, said: “We’ve had a fantastic reaction to Sky Q. So I’m delighted to reveal the news that people will be able to get Sky Q for our lowest ever set-up cost for a new premium product.”
Sky Q customers will receive servicing and mechanical fault repairs at no extra cost, the first time Sky has implemented such a policy. Sky has also established a premium service centre in the UK to deal with customer queries.
Commenting on the announcement, Paolo Pescatore, Director, Multiplay and Media at CCS Insight said: “This punchy offer is more aggressive than we had anticipated. Rivals should be concerned with Sky Q and its potential for further disruption. Articulating the vast array of features will be a challenge. Despite this, Sky has a long track record in successfully marketing any new services and we firmly believe that Sky Q will be no exception.”
Features of the box include the ability to record three shows while watching a fourth live, plus the ability to pause on one screen and pick up viewing on a tablet elsewhere in the home. The top of the range 2TB Sky Q Silver box, which is Ultra HD ready in advance of Sky launching the UK’s most comprehensive Ultra High Definition service later in 2016. Sky Q Minis make it possible to stream content around the house to additional TVs.