Belgian operator Telenet is removing its Play Sports channels from legacy TV hardware from 1 December, as it accelerates plans to migrate customers to its newer IP-based TV box.
From that date, Play Sports will no longer be available via Digicorder, Digibox or CI+ “TV with a card”. Access will be limited to the Telenet TV box (IPTV), the Play Sports app and the Telenet TV app. The move is part of a wider strategy to move all digital TV customers onto the new Telenet TV box by the end of 2026.
Telenet is positioning the Android-based box as its primary TV platform, highlighting features such as 7-day catch-up, cloud recording, voice control and integrated access to streaming apps, as well as lower energy consumption and a smaller footprint compared to the older decoders.
Existing Play Sports subscribers who already use a Telenet TV box do not need to take any action. Customers still using Digicorder, Digibox or CI+ are being contacted by email and via on-screen messages, and have seen billing notifications since 1 October. They are being encouraged to swap their old hardware, with a step-by-step guide available on Telenet’s website.
Telenet will not automatically stop billing Play Sports subscribers who fail to migrate, arguing that they can still watch via the TV box or apps. Customers wishing to cancel must do so themselves via customer service or MyTelenet. To continue watching Play Sports on the main TV screen, households without smart-TV app support will need a Telenet IPTV EOS or Apollo TV box plus a Telenet internet subscription.
The operator links the shift to both technical and rights pressures. It says major sports rights-holders are demanding tighter anti-piracy protections, and that the IPTV-based TV box allows it to deliver a more secure, future-proof service than the legacy DVB-C decoders.
Telenet will continue phasing out Digicorder and Digibox through 2026. Interactive services such as the Telenet TV app and Replay TV will be withdrawn from the old platforms, and by summer 2026 content packages including Streamz, Play More and Passion XL will only be available via the Telenet TV box.
