TNT Sports removal
 

Had this email from Virgin Media yesterday - interestingly, when I clicked the link I was presented with a form to restart TNT sports but as a free standalone with 30 days notice.
I cant see what they gain from removing the channels in that case. I don't use them so it's no loss.

I only mention it because I don't remember seeing mention of it.



"Hello

We wanted to let you know that we’re making a change to the way we provide TNT Sports channels in order to continue to provide the best value entertainment packages for our customers. We’ve noticed that you haven’t viewed these channels in the last 6 months, and therefore we’re removing automatic access to them from 30th June 2024. Don’t worry, nothing else is changing. If you wish to re-activate TNT Sports, you can click here for more information.

Thanks
The Virgin Media team
Virgin Media"

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

They desperately want people off the Maxit pack. Don't fall for it!

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

A fascinating tactic for their negotiations with Discovery.

To the OP what they gain is they negotiate a wholesale price based on the number of (whatever they called XL and it’s successors) as having access. By reducing the numbers they reduce what they pay, and it on paper strengthens their arguments with Discovery.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

You don't get moved off Maxit if you ask for TNT to be kept

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Apathy always rules though, the default option is to get customers off Maxit. Many will not read the email/forget to take action etc.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Can you clarify this?

So if you don’t complete the email, then they’ll change the pack you’re on ?

Wouldn’t that be a variation in contract ?

I haven’t used the channels but am I going to get charged more to keep them ?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I would have thought that VM have to pay based on the number of subscribers - and are trying to get rid of those that TNT Sports are getting a payment for from VM where the service is not actually used by the customer.

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100% this. It’ll be hard to argue that a contract has been changed to your detriment should you not use the service for 6 months and not acknowledge the email warning you.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I've filled in the form to keep it on, at least until renewal in October.

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Or the end of July if it gets removed by WBD - Virgin Media customers risk football blackout

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I've been trying to work out the logic of this latest development... wouldn't this tactic merely strengthen the argument for a "premium" price for TNT?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

It would on an individual subscriber basis. I guess it could give Discovery reassurance that there isn’t hundreds of thousands of potential subscribers getting the content cheap on Virgin.

I’m sure both sides of the negotiations will make the opposing arguments. :)

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

No, you'll remain on Maxit. But you won't have access to the TNT channels as they are being moved out of Maxit.

There would be no additional cost for as long as you remain on your current package.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

So is it being removed from Maxit for everyone regardless of what you do with your current package?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I understand it is being removed from customers who currently get it free and have not watched it at all in the past six months.

Only those who got the email will loose it.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Thanks for that. My contract ends in September so if I leave the package alone should all the TNT loveliness continue after that date?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

If you change contract you will have to pay extra at that point - but press reports are that it wil leave at end of July anyway.

If it stays after July and you don't change contracts it should stay - but any discounts will go.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Cheers, I suspect I'll be pulling the plug on them as soon as that happens after nearly 30 years of cable services. I have had several e-mails offering me a contract renewal minus TNT to "save myself the hassle of shopping around" for an unspecified small amount extra. They don't invoke the you haven't watched the channel bit because I watched it a lot, it was the only reason I have kept the tv package. What a lousy offer to pay a bit more for less and with a new 18 month contract attached for the privilege.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

If you got the email then ut isn't that you don't watch it a lot - it is that you haven't watched it for over six months

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I only watch TNT for WWE - If I need to pay £18 from August I will not pay and only watch WWE PLE after all WWE is going to Netflix in January.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

The email seems to be being targeted at users who've not viewed the channels in the preceeding 6months, whom are being asked to opt-in to retain them.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Presumably the fewer people who should still be receiving the channels as part of their subscription on 1 August, the less compensation/goodwill payouts VM will need to make to customers if it doesn't agree new terms with WBD.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

That's infinitely a better motive than the one I came up with!

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I'm thinking of cancelling Sports and Movies

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

My Maxit contract runs out in December and I was planning anyway to cancel TNT. I just hope that Eurosport will still be available.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Maxit & legacy Full House subscription pack codes were removed from all TNT Sports channels overnight.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I wonder if Virgin will just pony up for the remainder of contracts (for those that don’t opt in) and from that point it’ll be subscription only.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Things must be bad for them to have done this overnight on a Saturday with no notice and just 48 hours after they started emailing customers. Either that, or they failed to get advice from customer service about the importance of timing for such an action.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

It’s a purely administrative change at this point. Everyone who had TNT yesterday has it this morning - it’s the background configuration that has changed.

I suspect they are putting a clear month between the background change and any new TNT deal.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Ah, okay. I thought those who'd received the email had the channels removed last night and needed to opt back in to receive the channels again.

Edit: It does appear that the channels have been removed from some customers this morning. The forum is already getting complaints: https://community.virginmedia.com/t5...5537723/page/6

Strange to do this on a weekend when you traditionally have fewer customer service staff working to deal with the inevitable enquiries it will generate.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Easy done.

Essentially in the background everyone’s subscription now has it as an add on and as the 30 days expire they’ll take it off those emailed. Leaving a lower number of people “getting it free”.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

They could potentially do this with any channel. 'You not watched for a few weeks, so we've got rid'. You can still pay for it though !

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Just checked mine, still active. As mentioned i've had a couple of e-mails from them, not the opt back in e-mail but a save hassle and recontract e-mail. No thanks !

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Definitely not everyone, perhaps it has been included as a free add-on for regular TNT Sports viewers and those who got the email and and responded earlier. From what I've seen, many customers have had TNT Sports removed when the Full House / Maxit subscription codes were removed.

---------- Post added at 15:14 ---------- Previous post was at 15:11 ----------

There's a definite "this needs to be done before contract negotiations on Monday" feel to this. Customers losing out on the channels, albeit temporarily, doesn't seem to be the priority.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I stand corrected. Mad.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

what a mess this is!

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

In theory, yes, but this is a fairly unique case for premium channels with their own add-on packs which had been made available to a wider range of subscribers. It would be much more difficult for other channels which don't have add-on subscription packs.

---------- Post added at 02:38 ---------- Previous post was at 02:29 ----------

Well yes, exactly.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I signed up for the Volt package in April, last year. So, it’s due to expire in October. Just found out the TNT channels have been removed, even though they’re included in the package I signed up for. I have not received any e-mail regarding this - re-instate or contract renewal. I’ve been a customer for 24 years, most of the time on the top package (was on the original 2MB trial). Not for much longer. They can wave goodbye to £140 a month from me. That’s gone up £10 during the duration of the contract. Yet more scummy practice from corporate Britain.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

The tv licence doesn't cost much more for a year than what you're paying in a month. Proves what good value it is. Sports channels are overpriced, if we all cancelled, and went and watched in person, they'd have to think again. I'm going to let TNT go , only watched cricket on it occasionally. However it will be a great bargaining chip when negotiating the contract price lower.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

How are you going to fit everyone that cancels into stadiums/arenas? What about those that watch but don't support said team, so have no interest in watching at the stadium?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Understand your point, but not buying something is the best tool consumers have.:p:

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Are we now entering the final few days TNT will be on Virgin Media?

Not seen anything as yet to say they've signed a new deal after the current one ends this week.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Still nothing, not exactly sure when TNT Sport deal ends , the last BT Sport agreement was effective from 30th July.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Reports I have seen says it up on Wednesday night at midnight.

Virgin did on July 19th make up FIVE 'Channel update' channels for the TNT Sports Channels if deal was signed.

Base on the way Virgin has set them up - everyone will see the 'Channel update' if they do launch on Channels 527-531 on August 1st.

No update since last Monday (July 22nd).

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Yes, I agree. The high price one has to pay for sport is all to do with supply and demand. Nothing to do with the intervention of the streamers, by the way. Even they are baulking at Sky’s high prices, due to their determination to win the bidding war. Despite their deeper pockets, it seems they have decided to back off a bit and watch the bubble burst, which sooner or later of course, it will.

---------- Post added at 20:21 ---------- Previous post was at 20:18 ----------

The same way as we did before Sky.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

The price point being determined by “supply and demand” is naturally impacted by greater demand.

You are the first to wax lyrical about how they would blow Sky “out the water” with their deep pockets. So when Sky, or anyone else, bid more that’s precisely because of the intervention of the streamers and their failing business models in the marketplace.

This is both contradictory from your opening statement and an audacious attempt at historic revisionism to attempt to give your previous stances any merit at all.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Which was what, exactly ?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

No mention of TNT Sports on this page and Premier Sports is free for all next month, so looks it will be removed .
https://www.virginmedia.com/virgin-t...n-tv-this-week

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Unfortunately, it is looking that way as the Channel Update slates have moved a stage closer to being launched.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I wonder how many XL/Full House/Maxit customers opted back in to receive the channels last month? A few years back there were an estimated 2 million customers with XL TV. While that figure will likely be lower now, there could still be a significant number of customers that could need compensating for any loss of the TNT channels, as it could be argued that their removal would constitute a material change regardless of what VM's T&Cs say.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

The negotiations might involve more than just TNT Sports ?
https://www.ft.com/content/593152f9-...a-8d9553d3062a

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Regardless, I've taken my own decision to axe TNT sports, as my own negotiations with VM have broken down...
If TNT get the same bloke I spoke to at VM I can see the difficulty ;)

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Was your conversation UK based or offshore? if the former what time did you ring. I have 2 weeks to plan my strategy :erm:

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I rang just after 9am. I suspect the UK call centres don't exist anymore.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Yes I think you're right. At 9 am you were guaranteed a cheerful (usually) Scottish or Welsh accent until last year.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

You get whichever agent is free next

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

So if TNT is pulled, where does that leave Eurosport and Quest? Both also owned by WBD.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

So there are actual agents still operating from the UK then SP? Also is there any advantage from ringing via 150 on the landline over ringing from a mobile. If not, I'm not sure what the number is from a mobile anymore, is it still 0345 454 1111 ?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Still separate agreements, Eurosport is supposed to getting rebranded under the TNT Sports brand before the Winter Olympics in 2026

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Only TNT Sports will leave.

The others are under a other deal.

---------- Post added at 14:19 ---------- Previous post was at 14:18 ----------

Have not any updates on the Eurosport UK rebrand in months.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

TNT is still 50% owned by BT.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Yes

As far as I know 150 and 0345 454 1111 are routed identically.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Thanks SP :tu:

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Cost ?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

"Costs may vary. Please check with your service provider"

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

03x prefixes are landline numbers, regardless of whether you're calling from mobiles or landlines.

Whatever your phone plan charges to call 01x or 02x landlines, it will charge for 03x landlines - this is an Ofcom requirement.

Quite a while ago I did first-line support for Orange UK's core network, and all of the CS numbers ultimately routed to the same place. The short-dials and long-dials all had redirects to one central pool. I would imagine things are similar now.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

So the moral of the story is, if you get a distant/crackly non UK voice, hang up and don't waste your time !

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Phew! you could be redialling for a month. ;)

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I reckon TNT will disappear for a few days but will be back only as a standalone (IE removed from Maxit)

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

At which point Maxit customers will demand a massive discount.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

...of £18 as that is what Virgin themselves value the channels at.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

VM sent me several e-mails offering me the "opportunity" to re-contract without the hassle of contacting them (they obviously know what their own system is like) for just a little bit more per month. Oh and we aren't including TNT anymore. Oh and by the way your discount runs out in September. What a bargain. By the sound of it I don't think demanding a massive discount is going to cut much ice with them, and personally I have no use whatsoever for Maxit, I only had it for TNT sports.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

That's what TNT value it at.

Virgin Media refunded £9 per month during the early lockdown period when there was no live sports

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Despite my disdain for streaming, I’ve got 3 separate subscriptions to international services covering EPL football for 3 pm Saturday kick offs so Discovery+ will be getting nothing out of me.

A reliable one with poor PQ covers every game. Slightly less reliable better PQ has every game. Peacock has by far the highest PQ but usually only 6 or 7 games per weekend.

The first 2 services carry the Champions League too.

Total for all three about £18 a month I’d need to check currency conversion.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

im debating whether to renew or not. i am getting offered tnt sports still. max tv, max broadband, 3 boxes, sky sports/cinema and tnt sports for £105. if tnt is pulled tomorrow no idea what happens to the offer...

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Perhaps not the best time to renegotiate with this uncertainty.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

They'll deny they ever made you such an offer.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

If those who complain too soo get it removed from their package - I can see VM not putting it back in unless the customer switches to one of the new line-ups (new cointract).

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

The little bit more includes a rise of RPI +3.9%. every April. I suspect that they might be starting to lose more than a few customers.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I'm beginning to think that too. See how this pans out and use it to your best advantage. You need to know what you're getting if committing for 18 months.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Screwed :shocked:

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

TNT appears to be still there!

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Yep, all 5 TNT channels and the red button services still on VM...

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

And still broadcasting.

Us punters could do without this knife-edge drama.

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I thought that was what sport fans liked?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Good reply. :D

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

did we ever get a confirmation tnt have resigned?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

For info, did manage to get through to a UK call centre. Late morning seems to be the time. Got a fairly identical to deal/price to the one I'm on, but had to push/reject initial offers, as ever. Desperately tried to get rid of TNT for more of a discount, but that didn't work for some bizarre billing/ deal reason. Still on Maxit too, not Mega.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Ah well done. Was your deal for the full 18 months/length of contract? (obviously with their annoying mid contract hikes on top).
Good tip on time to ring, I always assumed earlier the better but maybe not. I'll find out in 9 days time.

---------- Post added at 15:48 ---------- Previous post was at 15:38 ----------

Sounds like it, Mr K seems to have it now whether he wants it or not and mine is still working.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Yes 18 months seems standard
You get less of a sentence for rioting on the streets.... ;)

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

i did mine through the virgin media community forum to avoid having to take a chance on who i'd speak to. very helpful people. paying an extra £20 but i figured it would go up as i was on a very cheap deal before and I've still got TNT Sports.

have managed to get a lot of credit on my account due to a misunderstanding with the original contract. So fairly happy with everything. Now i have 360 tv so i can watch all the red button action.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

That's interesting as I thought I'd read you can do that, however then I saw a couple of people on the community forum saying that the staff didn't have access to the relevant database and that you couldn't cancel/renegotiate on there.


Was the negotiation in real time or was it back and forth over hours/days. Also did you do it in the "managing account" section presumably?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Just had another look on the community forums. A couple of the staff members are directing people to the standard phone number for cancellations/renegotiations, no mention of doing it for you on the forum. How did you manage to get them to sort it for you, seems like they don't want to publicise the "service" at the very least. Perhaps they think they'll be inundated ?

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Use WhatsApp. It’s real time once you get to the front of the queue.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Yeah thanks, it's one of my options definitely ;)

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

Might be wrong but I think the best deals are done by phoning ( if you get a UK answer). Be nice, assertive, dont accept the first offer and get some empathy going. Can get much empathy going on WhatsApp. If its not working just say you'll think about it and try again another day. There is always the cancellation option, but there's a risk with that.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I favour the nuclear option and take it from there, the rest of the family think otherwise although they're not the mug having to do the haggling. Unfortunately there's only one winner if I want an easy life :D
I'm seriously considering the multi phone call approach to save time on hanging up and starting again to get UK. What a faff to try to get a reasonable deal.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

has there been any announcement about the new deal between virgin media and tnt sports or is it just "well its still on air so must be renewed for a multi year deal"

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I think the absence of any “leaks” to the press around the negotiations points to a deal. The content provider usually scaremongers a bit. Was it not Eurosport that resorted to on screen messages?

As it’s no longer included in the VM bundles and is a standalone there’s probably no real reason for VM to publicise it. A wholesale deal has financial implications. A standalone doesn’t.

Re: TNT Sports removal
 

I think Eurosport and Discovery did the on-screen messages on Sky.