Here’s a twist we didn’t see coming: Sky and EE are joining forces, and from October 15, EE customers will be able to add Sky Stream, Sky’s streaming-based box, to their EE Broadband packages.
Yes, the same EE that already has its own TV service.
This means that despite EE recently launching its EE TV platform (previously known as BT TV), which even comes with a custom Apple TV 4K box – EE Broadband and mobile customers will now be able to skip EE’s platform and jump straight to Sky – at least for the TV part (though EE’s own TV offers will remain available).
What Is Sky Stream?
If you need a refresher, Sky Stream launched in late 2022 (see our full Sky Stream review), and is Sky’s answer to the streaming age – a compact, internet-connected box that brings Sky’s premium content to any TV without the need for a satellite dish.
About the size of a small paperback, the Sky Stream puck plugs into your TV via HDMI and connects to your home broadband. It offers access to Sky’s channels and on-demand content, as well as a host of popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon’s Prime Video.
One of Sky Stream’s key selling points is its simplicity: Unlike Sky’s satellite boxes (such as Sky Q), there’s no need for professional installation – you just plug it in, and you’re good to go.
However, since Sky Stream is based on streaming, it doesn’t have its own hard drive – so you can’t directly record any programmes. Instead, you rely on the content being available to stream – either directly from Sky, or from one of its partners.
Packages start from £28 per month for Sky Entertainment and Netflix (but with a 24-month contract), with options to add extras like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema.
Unlike Sky Q, Sky Stream also offers plans that do not require a long-term contract, but those are typically more expensive than the long-term ones.
It’s worth noting that this base package includes Netflix’s ad-supported tier, a recent change from the previously included ad-free Basic plan.
Sky Stream Coming to EE
Sky Stream’s arrival to EE is somewhat surprising because EE already has its own TV offer, EE TV.
EE TV is relatively new on the scene, having replaced BT TV (BT owns EE) in late 2023.
It offers a range of TV packages that can be added to EE’s broadband or mobile services, including options with NOW memberships for access to Sky content.
EE TV gives customers a choice between a traditional set-top box (the EE TV Box Pro, which can also record) or an EE-branded Apple TV 4K.
Depending on your package, these devices offer access to Freeview channels, streaming apps, and additional content.
Now, EE is adding Sky Stream to its TV offerings. From October 15, 2024 EE customers will be able to order Sky Stream alongside their EE home broadband or mobile plans.
This means EE broadband customers will have a choice: they can opt for EE TV or go for Sky Stream instead.
This partnership goes beyond what was previously possible. While customers could technically get EE broadband and then separately sign up for Sky Stream (as it works with any broadband provider), this new deal integrates everything under one roof.
However, keep in mind that if you’re already under contract with EE TV, you won’t be able to switch and replace it with Sky Stream.
Sky Stream packages through EE will start from £28 per month, including Sky Entertainment and Netflix.
This pricing aligns with Sky’s direct offerings. However, it remains to be seen whether Sky’s monthly discounts and offers for Sky Stream’s content will carry over to EE’s customers.
Marc Allera, CEO at EE, said: “Extending our partnership with Sky allows us to give customers even greater choice, so they can take a TV service that best suits their lifestyle, matched with EE’s great new home broadband offering.”
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I currently enjoy EE tv with the TV box pro which affords me the option to record streaming channels to watch at a time that suits me and having all apps in one convenient location, yes it is all about control, my concern is when someone talks about offering customers more choice this tends to come at a price somewhere down the line, all things to all people isn’t cheap.