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Virgin Media/UPC confirms closure of MMDS on April 18th

2

Comments

  • #32
    cocoman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭cocoman


    The Cush wrote: »
    They've partnered with Actavo (aka Sierra) to remove the equipment according to thia tweet, no mention of the cost

    https://twitter.com/VirginMediaIE/status/687376051366924288
    https://twitter.com/VirginMediaIE/status/687376239812866049

    To update the above - Actavo or whoever Virgin have contracted are looking for €160 to remove their equipment. I think I'll pass !!!!!


  • #33
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,133 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    icdg wrote: »
    Some hysteria about this in some local media - my local newspaper has a front page article stating that "thousands of UPC customers have been told to go elsewhere" without any mention that it is only applicable to MMDS. The area is suburban and heavily cabled. Go figure, they also haven't noticed that UPC is called Virgin Media now.

    Similar article here in the Local News (west Dublin edition) from Feb 5th, inaccurate in places

    http://localnews.ie/20000westdublintvstobeblocked.html

    20a51z4.jpg


  • #34
    L1011
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,095 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    "in places" - there are barely 20000 MMDS customers *at all* let alone in West Dublin! I wonder has that been written by the poster here who keeps insisting that the licence was renewable (it wasn't)...

    There was 22,200 customers as of the last report and I doubt many if any had 3 to 4 boxes so the 60-80k number is even further nonsense.


  • #35
    cocoman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭cocoman


    For those who haven't yet arranged any alternative to their MMDS service (which is closing down v soon) - Sky have an offer on of a free 32" LG TV for those who sign up to Sky online.
    I had already made the switch over before the offer was announced :(


  • #36
    mackersdublin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,491 ✭✭✭mackersdublin


    cocoman wrote: »
    For those who haven't yet arranged any alternative to their MMDS service (which is closing down v soon) - Sky have an offer on of a free 32" LG TV for those who sign up to Sky online.
    I had already made the switch over before the offer was announced :(

    T&C's...
    32” LG TV for new Sky customers joining Sky TV with the HD pack online. TV will be dispatched within 90 days of activation. One per new customer household. Subject to stock availability. Colour and model may vary. Not available with any other offer. Box and set up fees may apply. Offer ends 21 April 2016.


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  • #37
    steveon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,905 ✭✭✭steveon


    cocoman wrote: »
    For those who haven't yet arranged any alternative to their MMDS service (which is closing down v soon) - Sky have an offer on of a free 32" LG TV for those who sign up to Sky online.
    I had already made the switch over before the offer was announced :(

    That offer has been around for months, previously a Samsung table.. I would double check and you have 14 days to cancel anything so cancel and signup again if they refuse to give it to you....


  • #38
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,296 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Pretty misleading advert for billfree article


  • #39
    cocoman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭cocoman


    steveon wrote: »
    That offer has been around for months, previously a Samsung table.. I would double check and you have 14 days to cancel anything so cancel and signup again if they refuse to give it to you....

    It definitely wasn't there when I signed up (over 14 days ago). I did get a deal on the bundle and multiroom so I'm probably better off anyway :)


  • #40
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,296 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    They only reintroduced the free telly offer a few days ago. They were doing it before Christmas too.


  • #41
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,133 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    RTÉ news report on the ending of MMDS tonight 10,000 households affected by end of MMDS network

    Six One News: http://www.rte.ie/news/player/2016/0418/20972104-mmds-transmission-network-to-be-switched-off-at-midnight/
    Nine News: http://www.rte.ie/news/player/2016/0418/20972177-10000-households-to-lose-television-signal-when-mmds-switches-off/

    and an RTÉ News report from 26 years ago, to the month, at the launch of the service

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCFBSjuiyUY


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  • #42
    galtee boy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,522 ✭✭✭galtee boy


    The MMDS shutdown has been some boost for Sky. Unless customers go the FTA route, it's only SKY that they can turn to.


  • #43
    plodder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,941 ✭✭✭plodder


    galtee boy wrote: »
    The MMDS shutdown has been some boost for Sky. Unless customers go the FTA route, it's only SKY that they can turn to.
    I delayed doing anything about it until last night, and was surprised to get an appointment for Sky installation in a few days. Maybe, in the Dublin area they have enough installers to cope with the influx. I wonder what it's like elsewhere in country.

    I was a bit pee'd off over the suddenness of it, but frankly MMDS was a dinosaur system and it looks like I'll be paying Sky much the same for the same range of channels (hopefully with a higher picture quality as the MMDS seemed to be very heavily compressed and not great quality).

    It's just a pity that it couldn't be delayed until Eir's fibre installation in our area. I'd have preferred some kind of all in bundle with phone and broadband etc.

    “Fanaticism is always a sign of repressed doubt” - Carl Jung



  • #44
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    plodder wrote: »
    I delayed doing anything about it until last night, and was surprised to get an appointment for Sky installation in a few days. Maybe, in the Dublin area they have enough installers to cope with the influx. I wonder what it's like elsewhere in country.

    Virgin have very few if any customers left on MMDS in Dublin. In Dublin the majority of people are on cable and are not affected by this switch off. MMDS is largely a rural thing and there were few people left on it.
    plodder wrote: »
    I was a bit pee'd off over the suddenness of it, but frankly MMDS was a dinosaur system and it looks like I'll be paying Sky much the same for the same range of channels (hopefully with a higher picture quality as the MMDS seemed to be very heavily compressed and not great quality).

    The MMDS switch off has been known for a few years now! Though Virgin do seem to have been slow to tell customers directly.

    It is shocking how anyone was still on MMDS given how bad quality it was compared to Sky or Saorview+Freesat.

    With Sky (and Saorview+Freesat) you will find that you will get FAR more channels, with a far better picture and sound quality and user experience then MMDS for about the same money (or for free with Saorview+Freesat).


  • #45
    plodder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,941 ✭✭✭plodder


    bk wrote: »
    Virgin have very few if any customers left on MMDS in Dublin. In Dublin the majority of people are on cable and are not affected by this switch off. MMDS is largely a rural thing and there were few people left on it.
    Well I wasn't making it up :) Myself and many of my neighbours were still on it. There is a significant rural area in (county) Dublin

    “Fanaticism is always a sign of repressed doubt” - Carl Jung



  • #46
    Passenger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,153 ✭✭✭Passenger


    Hi guys, can anybody advise on suitable service providers? The folks were UPC/Virgin TV customers and now need to know who can provide a similar service for similar fees. Thanks for any suggestions.


  • #47
    plodder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,941 ✭✭✭plodder


    Passenger wrote: »
    Hi guys, can anybody advise on suitable service providers? The folks were UPC/Virgin TV customers and now need to know who can provide a similar service for similar fees. Thanks for any suggestions.

    They should get Saorview at least. You get the local terrestrial channels including HD without subscription. All they need is set top box and an aerial.

    Next question is how to get UK terrestrial channels. They could get a Sky dish and buy an old Sky box which gives you the basic UK channels for free. There are installers around who would setup the above for a one off cost.

    Next option is a proper Sky subscription. They'd probably have to go for this if they want Sky sports or movies. What I've gone for is a very similar setup to what I had with UPC - two boxes with the Variety bundle which looks very similar to the basic package with UPC. The cost looks about the same around 50 euro a month. There are other options including a "free" 32 inch TV.

    Another possibility could be if they have very good broadband and can get TV through that from Eir or Vodafone.

    “Fanaticism is always a sign of repressed doubt” - Carl Jung



  • #48
    swoofer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,860 ✭✭✭swoofer


    Had the same happen to a neighbour in clare, had to ring Virgin helpdesk and they confirmed no letter had been sent out to theM and even though the person had paid up until end of May they will send out a final bill but no refund!! The person will have to contact them again!! weird.

    They can get saorview but aerial is poor. Sky can be had for 29.50 a month and installed within 7 days BUT sky only provide service when payment is by DD. I was surprised at that. They were paying 42 a month for a crummy service.


  • #49
    LeinsterDub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,229 ✭✭✭LeinsterDub


    swoofer wrote: »
    Had the same happen to a neighbour in clare, had to ring Virgin helpdesk and they confirmed no letter had been sent out to theM and even though the person had paid up until end of May they will send out a final bill but no refund!! The person will have to contact them again!! weird.

    In no way is it legal for them to charge for a service they are no longer providing. Refund from today to the end of May should be issued immediately


  • #50
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    What channels were offered on MMDS, did they still provide an analogue service to the end?


  • #51
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,133 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    swoofer wrote: »
    Had the same happen to a neighbour in clare, had to ring Virgin helpdesk and they confirmed no letter had been sent out to theM and even though the person had paid up until end of May they will send out a final bill but no refund!! The person will have to contact them again!! weird.

    This is from their MMDS shutdown FAQ but I'd still contact them
    I just got my bill and paid for next month (3 months/year) already…will I get this money back?

    If you have paid your bill past the cancellation date, don’t worry we will refund you for all money paid past that date.

    https://www.virginmedia.ie/mmds/


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  • #52
    plodder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,941 ✭✭✭plodder


    Elmo wrote: »
    What channels were offered on MMDS, did they still provide an analogue service to the end?
    It switched to digital a good few years ago and they were able to squeeze a load of new channels on when they did that. So, you were able to get all the usual kids, entertainment, news and documentary channels. And they had add ons for Sky sports movies etc. I don't think it ever supported HD though. The picture quality wasn't great for sports in particular. There was no text services either.

    “Fanaticism is always a sign of repressed doubt” - Carl Jung



  • #53
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,133 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    MMDS aerial going cheap, only €39 - https://www.satellitetv.ie/mmds_tv_aerial


  • #54
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,133 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    RTÉ - 10,000 households affected by end of MMDS network
    the journal - Around 10,000 Irish homes had their TV connection shut off today

    The last official numbers for MMDS was 22,200 subscribers at the end of Dec, surprising to read there were still almost 10,000 last night.

    Why were there so many, were they aware of the shutdown, did the number include those who already had switched to alternative service but didn't cancel their MMDS subscription, those who waited until the service ended?


  • #55
    Kristopherus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,902 ✭✭✭✭Kristopherus


    swoofer wrote: »
    Had the same happen to a neighbour in clare, had to ring Virgin helpdesk and they confirmed no letter had been sent out to theM and even though the person had paid up until end of May they will send out a final bill but no refund!! The person will have to contact them again!! weird.

    They can get saorview but aerial is poor. Sky can be had for 29.50 a month and installed within 7 days BUT sky only provide service when payment is by DD. I was surprised at that. They were paying 42 a month for a crummy service.
    LeinsterDub wrote: »
    In no way is it legal for them to charge for a service they are no longer providing. Refund from today to the end of May should be issued immediately

    Have a look at the Talk To... Virgin Media forum. There are plenty of questions re the refunding of the extra month by Virgin. What should be a simple process now results in the former customer having to jump through the hoops to get their money back. An absolute disgrace:mad:


  • #56
    Antenna
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,422 ✭✭✭Antenna


    Wonder how long ago was it, that new MMDS customers were being connected anywhere nationwide?


  • #57
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,133 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Antenna wrote: »
    Wonder how long ago was it, that new MMDS customers were being connected anywhere nationwide?

    IIRC there was a post here sometime last year where someone had MMDS installed and we commented that it would be ending this April.


  • #58
    Passenger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,153 ✭✭✭Passenger


    plodder wrote: »
    They should get Saorview at least. You get the local terrestrial channels including HD without subscription. All they need is set top box and an aerial.

    Next question is how to get UK terrestrial channels. They could get a Sky dish and buy an old Sky box which gives you the basic UK channels for free. There are installers around who would setup the above for a one off cost.

    Next option is a proper Sky subscription. They'd probably have to go for this if they want Sky sports or movies. What I've gone for is a very similar setup to what I had with UPC - two boxes with the Variety bundle which looks very similar to the basic package with UPC. The cost looks about the same around 50 euro a month. There are other options including a "free" 32 inch TV.

    Another possibility could be if they have very good broadband and can get TV through that from Eir or Vodafone.

    That's great. Thanks for the suggestions, p. They have Saorview alright and it appears that the Sky Variety package would be the way to go.


  • #59
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 95,415 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    plodder wrote: »
    Next question is how to get UK terrestrial channels. They could get a Sky dish and buy an old Sky box which gives you the basic UK channels for free. There are installers around who would setup the above for a one off cost.

    Next option is a proper Sky subscription. They'd probably have to go for this if they want Sky sports or movies.
    Actually next option would be a Freeview box if they aren't into subscription sports or the latest films or latest series. Recording, EPG ,Series link, BBC red button and all the good stuff. http://www.freesat.co.uk/channels

    A lot of the big sporting events are FTA, Olympics ,F1, though tough luck if you follow Premiership. And older folk may prefer older films. Talking Pictures TV might prove interesting. PBS America and Yesterday and BBC show lots of documentaries. As for Discovery it's only a matter of time before Jackass appears.

    You can buy a lot of boxsets for what you'd pay SKY over the years.


  • #60
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 95,415 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    The Cush wrote: »
    MMDS aerial going cheap, only €39 - https://www.satellitetv.ie/mmds_tv_aerial
    Great for WiFi though , go for miles on 802.11b

    Of course they'd be a lot cheaper secondhand.


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  • #61
    dub45
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,451 Mod ✭✭✭✭dub45


    The Cush wrote: »
    This is from their MMDS shutdown FAQ but I'd still contact them

    VM do not automatically refund any credit balance - you have to request your own money back. The confirm this several times in this thread


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