Sky adds “security”

Sky viewers will have noticed that adverts for a new security and insurance service called Sky Protect are being aired, but what is it?

Not content with providing your TV platform, broadband and mobile contracts, Sky has now moved into the home security and insurance sector with the the launch of Sky Protect. It’s no surprise as US cable companies have been in the alarm business for some time, but this is not quite the same.

In partnership with Zurich Insurance the package includes some home security tech (valued at £250 by Sky) including a video doorbell, leak detectors, plus motion and contact sensors. Events are recorded and viewed via an app with incidents stored in the Cloud (with no news on any additional cost of this).

Stephen van Rooyen, CEO, Sky UK & Ireland and CCO, Sky Group, said: “We already make people’s lives easier at home through our TV, broadband and mobile services and with Sky Protect, we’ll be able to take the pain out of home insurance. From a simpler quotation process, to value you can see every day, to great tech, all working together in the Sky Protect app. We believe people deserve better when it comes to home protection – so we’re going to give it to them.”

It all sounds great until you think about what is actually being offered with this package. It is not a home security system at all, rather a basic self-monitored web-based setup. Quite how the two sides of the service will work together is not made clear. We reached out to Sky but had not heard back by the time of going to press regarding whether there was any reliance upon evidence gathered by the kit for claims and if so, what happens when the broadband goes down? Will Sky be liable? That there is actually no connection between the two sides of the package seems more likely, but they are hitting the ad breaks quite heavily without giving away too much info. The involvement of the insurer Zurich is a more interesting development for security providers.

PSI signs Bruce Grobbelaar!

Guest speaker at the PSI

Premier Awards 2023 Dinner has been confirmed as football legend Bruce Grobbelaar, who played for a number of British teams including a fourteen-year stint at Liverpool as well as time with Southampton, Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle.

Spaces are limited so contact david.lewis@proactivpubs to secure your place and to meet Bruce Grobbelaar on July 13th.

Andy Clutton EDITOR