Martin Lewis has issued a warning to Sky TV customers facing a 6.2% average price rise. Unlike some other providers, Sky can put prices up during their two-year contract without the new protections.

In an investigation, his team discovered that Sky has exploited a loophole that means they do not have to tell customers about the rises they should expect before they sign up or without letting them leave penalty-free.

"Thought this kind of thing was supposed to be banned?" said the post on Money Saving Expert. "So did we. But our investigation can now reveal that Sky is exploiting a surprising gap in the new rules – leaving its TV customers in the lurch."

So, despite inflation-linked mid-contact rises having been banned from last month by Ofcom’s new rules, Sky's TV contracts don't let customers cancel penalty-free if it hikes prices.

Whether that's Sky Q, Sky Stream or Sky Glass, customers are not eligible to cancel their subscriptions early due to mid-contract price rises. This is because Sky TV's current contracts say:

"Your monthly price may rise during your minimum term – though not in the first 60 days and by no more than 10% or inflation each year (whichever is higher)."

Is there a way round it for current Sky TV customers?

Yes, and no. There is a right to cancel in some very limited circumstances –  if Sky were to remove basic channels or features, or otherwise downgrade the service in a major way.

Why Sky TV isn't covered by Ofcom's new rules

Ofcom's rules on price rises, contracts and your right to leave penalty-free comes from its legal powers to regulate "electronic communications services" (as set out in the Communications Act 2003).

But, the scope of this is limited to broadband, landline and mobile services.

Online streaming services are counted as something different - "content services" - which give you access to shows, films and other content. Sky Stream and Sky Glass work through the internet, so they are counted like Netflix or Disney+, avoiding Ofcom's rules.

How about Sky Q customers?

The situation with Sky Q is more complex, with no clear resolution.

"Ofcom thinks they should be regulated as telecoms, while Sky disagrees," says Money Saving Expert.

 

"This has led to an ongoing legal dispute, which arose when Ofcom tried to enforce its requirement for providers to send end-of-contract notifications and Sky refused."

Martin Lewis' tips if you're a Sky TV customer

Check your contract and see when your minimum term is up

If you're still within your minimum, see if you can change your package to reduce the cost (but be careful the renegotiation doesn't extend your term or recommit you for another two years). 

If not, think carefully before recommitting. Check out other digital TV options and see who works out best for you. Loyalty doesn't pay.