TV streaming service Now is to start showing adverts and scrap its multi-screen option later this month unless you pay extra for its optional Boost add-on service, which is also rising in price.
This is according to MoneySavingExpert who said in their weekly newsletter that those who signed up to the cinema streaming device NOW, formerly NOW TV, could see their monthly bills increase.
Sky, their parent company, have now confirmed new Boost customers who sign up before 15th July will pay £3 a month initially but this will rise to £5 month from their next billing date after 15th July.
Thankfully the experts have put together a list of what is changing with their Entertainment, Sport and Movie packages and who will be impacted.
What will be new?
- Adverts are the biggest change to the service and users will be shown adverts unless you pay extra for a Boost.
Experts said: "We don't yet know exactly how this will work - for example, whether ads will only be played at the start and end of content, or at intervals throughout."
- You will also need to pay extra for a boost that allows you to watch content over more than one screen.
- The cost of a boost will rise by £2 per month from £3 to £5 from July 15th.
- NOW have said that the price of Cinema membership will fall by £2/mth - but if you have it and don't have Boost, you'll be auto-enrolled in Boost for £2/mth, so your overall price won't change.
How will BT TV customers be affected?
MoneySavingsExpert has said that you will also have adverts introduced to your Now on-demand service, while your multiscreen viewing will end from 15 July unless you take out Boost.
If you already have Boost then you'll currently pay £3/mth - this will remain the case if you signed up before 8 June ( except Cinema members ) but you'll otherwise be hit by the price rise.
If you wish, you can cancel your existing Boost add-on penalty-free.
However, if you have Now as part of your BT TV subscription, you can't just cancel it penalty-free if you're still in contract.
What to do if you don't want these new changes
The service is contract-free and you can cancel whenever you want without penalty.
When hitting 'cancel' on your account you may be offered another deal that is cheaper but you don't have to take it.
A Now spokesperson said: “Having recently relaunched our brand, we are continuing this transformation by taking the opportunity to simplify our membership options providing more value for our members."
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