The ‘dodgy box’ phenomenon will soon “come down like a house of cards”, Jess Kelly has predicted. 

The Data Protection Commission has warned users that it is working with Sky on how to use data to crack down on those using the devices to avoid paying for subscriptions at the market rate. 

Some estimates put the number of dodgy boxes in Ireland at 400,000 and the entertainment industry fears illegal streaming is costing them millions in revenue. 

On Lunchtime Live, Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly said she understands the “frustration” that could push a person into buying a dodgy box. 

“The subscriptions for these services can be anywhere from €5 to €15 a month,” she said. 

“You’re getting access to content that you or I pay hundreds of euro for every month.

“For you to get access to the TV show that is the thing of the moment, firstly, you have to have your tele and your internet connection. 

“From there, if it’s specific to a particular platform, you have to pay. 

“So, the top tier plan on Netflix is €21 a month; if something is on Sky, you have to have a Sky subscription or a Virgin subscription. 

“If you want to get access to boxsets, you might have to have a Now subscription, that could be anywhere from €15 to €30.” 

A close-up of a TV remote. Picture by: EThamPhoto / Alamy Stock Photo.

Jess continued that if you are interested in sports or want your children to watch age appropriate content, that will often cost extra as well. 

“If you want the sports channels, you’re looking at between €38 and €60 a month to get access to the sports channels,” she said.

“If you’ve got kids and they want the Disney, Disney’s gone up in price in the last while as well, so that’s another €15 to €20. 

“So, it all adds up bit, by bit, by bit.” 

Sky has warned people who continued dodgy boxes that they will face "consequences" and, given the stakes for the entertainment industry, Jess believes the devices’ days are numbered. 

“I do think that the dodgy box phenomenon is going to come down like a house of cards before long,” she predicted.

Main image: A person holding a TV remote. Picture by: Cottonbro Studios / Pexels.