Virgin Media has just sent out a message to some users warning that popular channels have been removed for their accounts.
If you’ve suddenly noticed that some channels have gone missing from your Virgin Media TV planner you aren’t alone. It appears a number of users have suddenly found access to the TNT Sports service has been removed with Virgin emailing those affected to ask them to reactivate this platform (at an extra price) to continue watching.
The message says things have been blocked due to the way the firm provides the TNT Sports channels to UK homes. There was a period when TNT was included for free in some plans – such as the Maxit bundle – but that’s now been stopped with those wanting access needing to pay a separate £18 per month fee.
Virgin says it is writing to users who haven’t used the channels in the last 6 months with TNT being automatically removed.
“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,” the email explained.
“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.”
As spotted by the team at ISPreview, a number of Virgin users have now taken to forums to complain about the block.
One angry Virgin user said: “It does appear to be genuine, they’re saying they’ll remove some channels and not reduce the price of my package. Why would anyone agree to that? Just like I haven’t watched any of the shopping channels. Does this mean I then have to click through every channel every so often? What nonsense.”
Another frustrated customer added: “Also had this email today and am lost for words. I pay a premium price for services and channels, to be told because I’ve not viewed the channels in the last six months (which I have) that I will lose access. Virgin are quite happy to increase prices but I did not spot a price reduction or incentive in the email to lose access.”
Addressing the news, a Virgin Media spokesperson told ISPreview: “As we continue to evolve our TV offering to give our customers more choice aligned to their viewing habits, we’re making some changes to how we offer TNT Sports, whereby it will exist as an optional offering. We know many of our customers enjoy watching TNT’s channels which they can continue doing with no changes to the price they pay.”
News of this change comes as TNT and Virgin continue to discuss the future of working together.
According to a report from The Daily Telegraph, Virgin Media executives are currently battling it out with counterparts at TNT Sports over the terms of a new deal, which if not resolved could see Virgin customers lose access to TNT Sports channels at the end of July.
The Telegraph reported that the companies are in “hot dispute” as Virgin is asking for a “significant price reduction” for a new three-year deal – but TNT is holding out for the existing terms.
TNT Sports has the rights to show 52 Premier League matches out of the total 380 scheduled for the 2024/2025 season due to begin in August. By comparison, rival Sky Sports has a broadcast deal to show at least 215.
