Foxtel has changed the way subscribers will receive the service, affecting close to 700,000 customers.

It will transition from traditional network cable to satellite delivery, choosing not to utilise the traditional ‘pay TV’ cable which was installed by Telstra for Foxtel many years ago.

Ray Hadley received an email from an industry insider claiming Foxtel subscribers will be forced to have satellite dishes installed at their homes.

The person says it’s because the service isn’t compatible with the NBN cable being rolled out across Australia.

Technology commentator and EFTM Editor Trevor Long called in to explain the situation after investigating this issue for several months.

He says cable itself is now owned by the NBN, and will be able to accommodate Foxtel services after the NBN roll-out is complete.  

However, Foxtel has chosen to cease transmission using the network to save themselves tens of millions of dollars per year.

“It’s a problem, because it’s not really Foxtel making those statements to customers, it’s installers who are just trying to get the job done.”

So what does it mean for Foxtel users?

“Everyone’s who’s currently got satellites, nothing changes.

“Anyone that wants to sign up to Foxtel now, they will only install satellites, and anyone with a current pay TV box cable that’s coming in from street that doesn’t have a satellite, over the next, my guess two years, they’re going to be on the blower till you want to put a satellite on the roof.”

Nine News anchor Peter Overton was listening to the conversation and says it’s an issue that needs explaining.

by Ray Hadley, 2GB