ISP PlusNet UK Joins BT in Cull of Popular Pay TV Channels UPDATE
Broadband ISP Plusnet, which recently stopped taking new orders for their YouView (IPTV) powered Pay TV box and service but left existing customers to ride out their remaining contracts (here), has now put another nail in the coffin of their TV product by announcing the withdrawal of several popular channels.
Earlier this month the provider said that, despite their TV service being withdrawn from sale for new subscribers, “existing customers [could] continue to watch their YouView TV package and still be able to enjoy great content as part of the BT Sport App.” Fast forward two weeks and Plusnet has now announced the removal of VICE, Crime and Investigation, Sky History, Sky History 2 and Lifetime on 28th February 2021.
Shortly after that the ISP will also be sending SyFy and E! to the chopping block on 31st March 2021 (this also affects customers who have an HD version of the channels via the provider’s £3 HD channel pack). Some of these channels were part of the default £5 ‘Entertainment‘ pack, while others come as part of the £3 ‘Entertainment Plus‘ package, but neither will be reduced in price to compensate for the loss.
However, the move will not come as a shock to everybody, particularly since BT’s consumer division recently announced the future removal of the same channels from their own service (here). Sadly, Plusnet gives no reason for the removal (we have asked), although such things are often caused by issues of cost and licensing rights. Credits to one of our readers, Peter, for bringing this to our attention.
UPDATE 12:09pm
We’ve got a comment.
A Plusnet spokesperson said:
“As a value provider, we’re focused on delivering simple, reliable broadband with great customer service. From February, there will be some changes to the YouView channel package we offer as we remove certain channels. We will be contacting these customers to make sure they have all the information they need.”
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook and Linkedin.
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Understandable if keeping certain channels within their packages would increase the overall price for all or make the packages commercially unviable. Particularly if it is evident only a smaller percentage regularly access certain content. In addition now is that I understand Sky Documentaries, Sky Nature, Sky History and SyFy are available on Now TV subscriptions for those that utilise them.
Re-focusing of packages driven by constantly changing commercial arrangements is inevitable. At least with services like Disney+, Netflix, Now TV you can subscribe, binge and then postpone.
Well the push from BT has been Now TV anyway so makes sense for Sky channels to move off the platform to an app.
The other channels are discovery and its not really new news that they are moving off of Pay TV platforms and into their own streaming service and app.
If it is true that BT now control Plusnet there is no surprise that they will do as they are commanded and show only what BT say they can!
Agreed, I was pretty much of the knowledge that Plusnet TV was just BT re-badged.
BT has owned Plusnet for quite some time now. But yes, it’s not a surprise that they’re following mainline BT in this decision.
If BT didn’t control Plusnet then Plusnet would not have sold Youview in the 1st place.
Plusnet have become mercenary in their attitude to customers, I have had a take it or leave recently so now have to revert to the ombudsman after being sent round in circles for months, I had to demand either act or issue a deadlock letter, wish I hadn’t given them the loyalty and switched my mobile to them now.
Plusnet are going downfall lately. Hope their business go bust for all I care!
I’m sure BT will just merge it with main brand or EE at some point
I had the email from plusnet about what channels are being cut and it stated you can cancel your tv package with out a cancelation fee with in the next 30 days, after a discussion with customer services that i cant get another tv package without signing with another broadband provider they agreed to release me from both my tv and broadband contract free of charge. plusnets biggest mistake was to be bought by bt
Plusnet was never going to become much, I could see this after being a customer in 2016, surprised its got this far if I’m honest.
Bet ey, That’ll do!
After 10 years today I submitted notice to leave. Tv down the pan, and a lackadaisical approach to resolving an issue last summer. You get the feeling they are yesterday’s provider.
Halved my bill to. Though in fairness they did offer to match it.
Who have u changed to now & for how much
I have had no problems from plusnet but when you do need to speak to them it is a nightmare. They may boast about their customer service in Yorkshire, and they may be lovely but you can never get through. Switching to sky next week to get FTTP as well. For LESS than I’m playing plusnet for around 20mpbs FFTC.