Is satellite TV nearing the end? Sky announces major change to service as viewers ‘shift’ to alternative
IT COULD be the end if an era for satellite television has Sky customers flock to internet-delivered TV services in droves.
The collective decision among consumers to favour internet over satellite has pushed Sky to slash roughly 1,000 jobs from its engineering division.
Sky noted that it has not yet finalised the job cut figures, so it could come in below that figure.
With the launch of internet-based Sky Glass and Sky Stream packages, the broadcaster said it will need fewer specialist engineers.
Specialist engineers are needed for house visits to set up Sky's satellite telly service - as it cannot be completed by your average customer.
A spokesperson for Sky said: "The launch of Sky Glass and Sky Stream represents a shift in our business to deliver TV over IP (an internet connection) rather than satellite.
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"Increasingly, customers are choosing Sky Glass and Sky Stream which don't require specialist installation, and that has led us to change the number of roles we need to deliver our services."
In recent years, Sky customers have favoured the easier 'plug in and use' approach that Sky Glass and Sky Stream packages offer.
According to RXTVInfo, it has become increasingly difficult to sign up for a satellite-based Sky service since late 2021.
Sky has instead been nudging consumers in the direction of its Sky Glass TVs or Sky Stream pucks.
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These are Sky new 'faff-free' telly services, as they don't require an installer and simply like to the household Wi-Fi.
Sky added that it remains committed to satellite customers and services - and won't leave them high and dry.
The broadcaster only has another four years left on its satellite carriage contract.
The Astra satellites, owned by SES, that are used to carry Sky services will reach the end of their lifecycle by 2030.
If Sky extends its contract with SES beyond 2028, there will only be two years before Sky must wrap up its satellite service or find new satellites to carry it.
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