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Looking for a new TV subscription plan? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best TV package for your home.

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What this guide is for

Setting up TV when you move

From the King’s Christmas speech to Premier League finals, TV is a huge part of UK culture. With so many different packages available, you need to plan ahead to make sure you can watch the programs that matter most to you.

We’ve outlined the key differences between Freeview and premium TV, your options for TV hardware and whether you really need a TV licence to make setting up your perfect package simple.

Preparation

Your TV to do list

Check your contract

Find out when it ends and whether you're in a minimum term period.

Check dish and aerial

Your new home may need a satellite dish or aerial installed or repositioned.

Check for exit fees

Providers like Sky and Virgin Media can charge £100+ for early termination.

Book an engineer visit

If installation is needed, lead times can be 2-3 weeks so book early.

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Notify your provider

Tell them your move date and new address as early as possible.

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Return old equipment

Return set-top boxes, remotes and cables to avoid being charged (usually within 30 days).

Check coverage

Some providers like Virgin Media has limited coverage in the UK.

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Update your TV licence

Transfer your TV licence to your new address - you can do this online at tvlicensing.co.uk.

Notify current supplier

Let your suppliers know you're moving, your move-out date and your forwarding address for the final bill.

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Request final bill

Ask them to send this via email so it doesn't get lost in the physical post at your old place.

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Check meter type

If it’s prepayment, tell the supplier before you move. You want to ensure any debt from the previous tenant is cleared

Look for a value tariff

Create your account and get access to exclusive offers from providers, and save up to £532 on bills.

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Check for exit fees

If you are on a Fixed Rate Tariff, you might face a "break fee" (usually £30–£50 per fuel).

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Take meter readings

Document meter readings at both your old and new property. Make sure the meter serial number is visible alongside the reading.

Notify new supplier

You need to know who currently supplies the new property so you can take over the account.

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Setup auto payment

Suppliers often offer discount when you signup for paperless billing and automatic payments.

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Check your contract

Find out when it ends and whether you're in a minimum term period.

We can help with this

Check for exit fees

Providers like Sky and Virgin Media can charge £100+ for early termination.

We can help with this

Notify your provider

Tell them your move date and new address as early as possible.

We can help with this

Check coverage

Some providers like Virgin Media has limited coverage in the UK.

Check dish and aerial

Your new home may need a satellite dish or aerial installed or repositioned.

Notify new supplier

You need to know who currently supplies the new property so you can take over the account.

We can help with this

Return old equipment

Return set-top boxes, remotes and cables to avoid being charged (usually within 30 days).

We can help with this

Update your TV licence

Transfer your TV licence to your new address - you can do this online at tvlicensing.co.uk.

We can help with this

Getting started

Finding the right TV deal

The price of a TV plan in the UK will vary based on which channels you subscribe to, and how long your contract is for.

You can save money by subscribing to TV channels as part of a long-term plan. However, if you want to watch a specific sporting event or have extra channels around a holiday a 30-day subscription can be good value.

The price of a TV plan in the UK will vary based on which channels you subscribe to, and how long your contract is for.

Is it cheaper to get TV with broadband?

Yes, it’s cheaper to combine TV and broadband in the UK. Sky offer big discounts on their TV packages to broadband customers, and Virgin Media only offer TV to households with Virgin Media broadband.

Do I need a TV licence if I’m only streaming?

If you’re only using on-demand streaming services, you don’t need a TV licence. A TV licence is a legal requirement if you are watching live TV, whether that’s through a satellite dish, a TV box or online. Not sure if you need a licence? Check out our complete guide.

Check your renewal date

TV subscriptions are much cheaper as part of a regular contract than on a monthly rolling basis. Make a note of when you current plan ends and either renew or switch plans on that date to keep saving.

Check your renewal date

Bundle your streaming services

Already subscribe to Netflix or another streaming service? You can often save by bundling your subscription with your TV plan. Many TV plans include great extras, like Sky Cinema which gives subscribes 2 free cinema tickets every month.

Bundle your streaming services

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Find a broadband & TV deal

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Find a broadband & TV deal

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Types of TV plans

What TV channels do I need?

There are four main TV providers in the UK:

Freeview TV: Freeview TV is free for all, but you need to have a TV licence to watch live. Channels include BBC, iTV and Channel 4
Sky: Sky is the UK’s most popular premium TV provider. Sky Atlantic shows top US dramas, while Sky sports airs the best of live sports.
Virgin Media: Virgin Media offers TV packages to their broadband customers, with huge savings available for combining broadband, TV and mobile.
Now TV: Now TV’s flexible streaming plans let you watch the live TV you can’t miss and a huge library of popular shows and movies.

The cost of a TV package can add up, especially outside of a regular contract. To keep costs down, look for the channels that matter to you. If you don’t watch kid’s TV, you don’t need a kid’s channels add-on to your plan.

BBC One & BBC Two

Home of quality dramas, comedies, news, documentaries and more. Available through Freeview.

Film 4

Channel 4’s dedicated film channel, showing blockbusters, indies, classics and more. Available through Freeview.

Superfast

Speeds of 30-60 Mpbs. Suitable for light working from home or studying, web browsing and social media.

Sky Sports

Watch live sporting events including Premier League football, golf, tennis, racing and more. Available on paid plans.

Superfast

Speeds of 30-60 Mpbs. Suitable for light working from home or studying, web browsing and social media.

ITV One

Also home to some of the UK’s most iconic dramas and comedies, reality TV, news and more. Available through Freeview.

Ultrafast 150

Speeds of around 150 Mbps. Suitable for regular video calls, multiple users streaming content in HD and gaming.

Sky Arts

The UK’s only dedicated arts channel showing music, opera, theatre, dance and more. Available through Freeview.

Ultrafast 150

Speeds of around 150 Mbps. Suitable for regular video calls, multiple users streaming content in HD and gaming.

TNT Sports

More great sport, with Premier League matches, UFC, Rugby, Cricket and the NBA. Available on paid plans.

Ultrafast 150

Speeds of around 150 Mbps. Suitable for regular video calls, multiple users streaming content in HD and gaming.

Channel 4

Combining popular appeal with a reputation for provocative new shows. Available through Freeview.

Ultrafast 500

Speeds of around 500 Mbps. Ideal for homes with multiple busy users working, studying and streaming online at once.

Sky Atlantic

Sky’s premier channel, showing top US dramas like House of the Dragon and Day of the Jackal. Available on paid plans.

Ultrafast 500

Speeds of around 500 Mbps. Ideal for homes with multiple busy users working, studying and streaming online at once.

Sky Cinema

More new release films than anywhere else, including premiers and original movies. Available on paid plans.

Ultrafast 500

Speeds of around 500 Mbps. Ideal for homes with multiple busy users working, studying and streaming online at once.

Channel 5

The smallest terrestrial channels, delivering award-winning scripted and reality TV. Available through Freeview.

Gigafast

The current top speeds in the UK, at around 900 Mbps. Perfect for power users who work in virtual environments.

National Geographic

Learn more about our incredible planet with the best in nature documentaries. Available on paid plans.

Gigafast

The current top speeds in the UK, at around 900 Mbps. Perfect for power users who work in virtual environments.

Cartoon Network

Watch the most popular kids shows as part of a Kids pack. Available on paid plans.

Gigafast

The current top speeds in the UK, at around 900 Mbps. Perfect for power users who work in virtual environments.

BBC One & BBC Two

Channel 4

Film 4

Sky Atlantic

Sky Sports

Sky Cinema

ITV One

Channel 5

Sky Arts

National Geographic

TNT Sports

Cartoon Network

Start your utility setup

›

Start your utility setup

›

Start your utility setup

›

Find a broadband & TV deal

›

Find a broadband & TV deal

›

Find a broadband & TV deal

›

Find your TV plan with up to £532 savings

Get started

›

Find your TV plan with up to £532 savings

Get started

›

Find your TV plan with up to £532 savings

Get started

›

Questions about our service

Is this service free?

Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.

How much can I save?

What services are included?

Can I choose my suppliers?

How can I track my setup?

Questions about our service

Is this service free?

Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.

How much can I save?

What services are included?

Can I choose my suppliers?

How can I track my setup?

Questions about our service

Is this service free?

Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.