‘This seems shady,’ cry Virgin Media customers as they lose access to top TV service today
VIRGIN MEDIA has removed TNT Sports from some customers’ TV packages, amid concerns the broadcaster may lose access to it entirely.
TNT Sports – formerly BT Sports – includes content like Premier League football, UEFA Champions League games, Premiership Rugby, and UFC fights.
Virgin Media could lose permission to offer TNT Sports in its packages due to an ongoing dispute over broadcasting fees, The Telegraph reported in late June.
While negotiations are ongoing, Virgin Media has sent an email to customers telling them TNT Sports would be removed from their packages if they didn’t watch it in the past six months.
The email stated: “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 six months, and therefore we’re removing automatic access to them from 30 June 2024.”
The email was sent to customers who are subscribed to the ‘Maxit’ package, which previously included TNT Sports, CordBusters reported.
Customers who failed to take action by 30 June have had their access to TNT Sports removed.
Recent changes to Virgin Media & TNT Sport
Virgin Media made the decision to remove TNT Sports from its TV bundles in September 2023.
Up until then, TNT Sports was included in their packages at no extra cost.
After that change, new customers were forced to pay £18 to add TNT Sports to their package as a separate ‘add on’.
Existing customers were initially spared of the extra charge.
At the time, Virgin Media stated that when contracts were renewed, or changes were made to the package, customers would take on the new fee.
Affected subscribers have dubbed the move “shady”.
After posting a screenshot of the email from Virgin Media on X, one customer wrote: “@virginmedia why have I received this when I have absolutely viewed TNT Sports in the past six months?
“Yes I’ve activated the add-on but this seems shady.
“Are you cancelling it for everyone and hoping people don’t reactivate or something?”
In response, Virgin Media said: “Sorry to hear these concerns about TNT sports access, and for confirming you have followed the link the email.
“There’s been some changes with TNT sports, this communication ensures any customers who want to retain access, keep it.”
Another frustrated customer wrote: “I watched it yesterday. Today I don’t subscribe apparently.”
Customers who want to reactivate TNT Sports have been directed to fill out a form on Virgin Media’s website.
According to CordBusters, these customers will not need to pay any extra costs if their Maxit bundle, which includes TNT Sports, is still active.
The Sun has contacted Virgin Media for comment.