Sky TV customers could be left out of pocket if they give the fine print of their contract a miss.
Customers with a Sky Stream, the firm's streaming TV box, no longer own the gadget and must return it to Sky lest they get charged.
The change, which went into effect on February 23, is a change from the previous policy which meant anyone with a Sky Stream plan automatically owned the mini-TV viewing device. As reported by Cordbusters, anyone ordering Sky Stream after the date will be affected.
This means that at the end of your contract, Sky can ask for the Stream device to be returned. Failure to return equipment to Sky - even if it's been lost or stolen - could open customers up to a non-return charge of an unspecified amount, reports The Mirror.
Sky explains the policy on its website as such: "You’ll be charged a Non-return charge for any equipment that’s not returned to us, including if you’ve lost your equipment or if it’s been stolen."
Sky Stream customers will want to make sure they don't lose track of the wee gadget once their subscription is over, but it should be noted that the policy isn't new to Sky.
Indeed, most Sky Q users also rent their box rather than own it. Sky says: "Sky Q boxes are loaned equipment supplied to you at no cost and remain the property of Sky (or another Sky group company) at all times."
If you're not familiar with the service , Sky Stream launched late last year and offers premium telly without the need for a dish to be stuck to the walls.
The little gadget can be self-installed with Sky simply popping things in the post. Once it drops through the door, it's then just a simple question of plugging it in, connecting it to the Wi-Fi and attaching the HDMI cable.
Along with offering instant access to Sky's premium channels such as Sports and Cinema - there's also an easy way to tune into services such as Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV+ with all of these apps found right on the home screen.
Although Stream doesn't have a physical hard drive for recordings, content can be stored in the new Playlists section which uses the cloud and online players to keep the things most viewed.
Other extras include a backlit remote control, full live TV listings and a compact size that makes it easy to pop under the telly.
Sky Stream starts from £26 per month on a 24-month deal or there's the option to pay a bit more but not face a long-term contract.
In fact, Sky's £29 plan lets you leave at any time thanks to a 31-day rolling contract.
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