Sky Q Discontinued Online: Marking the End of an Era on Sky’s Website

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Sky Q Discontinued Online: Marking the End of an Era on Sky’s Website

Sky Q has officially been removed from Sky’s website, marking a significant shift towards streaming services. As of December 10, 2025, customers attempting to order Sky Q online will be redirected to Sky Stream, the new focus of the company. This marks the potential end of the satellite television era for Sky.

Sky’s Transition from Satellite to Streaming

The shift away from Sky Q has been gradual. Despite its presence in millions of UK homes, Sky has been steering new customers towards their streaming options, Sky Glass and Sky Stream. In January 2024, Sky announced substantial job cuts, affecting about 1,000 employees, primarily satellite engineers. The reason was straightforward: 90% of new customers preferred the newer platforms.

By September 2025, plans to cut an additional 600 jobs surfaced as part of the company’s strategy to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Sky Glass, launched in 2021, and Sky Stream, introduced in October 2022, offer viewers a broadband-based streaming experience without the need for satellite dishes.

Sky Q’s Final Days

While Sky Q continued receiving updates throughout 2025, the updates often lagged behind those available on streaming platforms. New apps appeared on Sky Q, but usually after they had already been accessible on Sky Stream and Sky Glass for months.

In 2024, Sky extended its satellite agreement with SES until 2029, which initially seemed positive for Sky Q users. The contract ensured stable broadcasting capabilities for Sky Q customers, but promotional efforts increasingly favored Sky Stream.

Removal from Sky’s Website

Recently, Sky Q was eliminated from the site’s menu, making it difficult for potential customers to find. A note states: “We’ve unplugged Sky Q. Plug in Sky Stream for less.” Despite the removal from online ordering, customers can still obtain Sky Q by calling customer service or visiting a retail store directly.

Implications for Freesat Users

This transition impacts not only Sky customers but also the approximately 1 million homes using Freesat. Freesat relies on Sky’s satellite infrastructure for free-to-air channels. If Sky were to cease satellite broadcasting, the viability of Freesat could be compromised.

  • Sky’s satellite contract with SES runs until 2029.
  • Freesat’s future relies on Sky’s infrastructure and customer base.

Industry Trends Towards Streaming

Sky’s actions reflect a broader trend among pay-TV providers. Virgin Media made a similar shift in July by promoting their Stream box over the traditional TV 360 system. This ongoing movement indicates that the industry is favoring streaming solutions, which are more cost-effective for companies and easier for users to manage.

Conclusion: What This Means for Consumers

For current Sky Q users, services will remain operational until 2029. However, new customers will likely notice limited options. Sky Stream and Sky Glass are now the primary offerings. The decision on whether to switch platforms should center on personal viewing habits.

If you often record programs or value having reliable access to content independent of internet service, Sky Q may still be the preferred choice. Users with reliable broadband and a preference for on-demand viewing may find Sky Stream appealing.

For those seeking further updates and insights on the transition to streaming and its implications, subscribe to Emegypt’s newsletter.