Foxtel tells Satellite subscribers “You’re on your own” – repairs and maintenance of Dish is all on you now

Foxtel has begun notifying their Satellite subscribers that they’re no longer providing support and service to the Satellite Foxtel – instead, deeming those customers to be “owner install” services.

While this isn’t a huge deal in the wider scheme of things, it’s a huge pivot for Foxtel away from their traditional “broadcast” delivery services to online, where customers connect to and watch Foxtel on IQ4 and IQ5 boxes via their internet connection.

You’ll still be able to contact Foxtel customer service if there’s an issue with your Foxtel, however if the support team determine that there is an issue with the Satellite dish or the cabling at your home – it’s you who must arrange a local service technician. At your own cost of course!

The service team will most likely strongly encourage you to switch to internet for the delivery of your service, of course saving you the cost of any dish repairs, because this makes their life so much easier.

Why is Foxtel walking away from their Satellite customers?

Costs. Having technicians on staff, let alone having to pay contractors to visit customer homes and make adjustments or repairs all comes at a cost.

Make no mistake, broadcast television delivery costs big bucks. Just the satellite “air time” is a multi-million dollar cost for Foxtel, then add on those service and support costs, they’re looking to cut whatever they can, however they can.

It should be noted of course that Foxtel can’t abandon you completely. If your service is faulty within a reasonable period of installation, despite Foxtel’s new claims that you get support for three months after install – every customer is still covered by Australian Consumer Law.

In reality, there’s no major change for customers, however getting that email will make you feel like you’re breaking up.

If you’ve got a Satellite Foxtel dish and it’s still working, its the best option for channel delivery because online will congest your home wifi/internet network, so keep it going while you can.