UK ISP TalkTalk Hikes Early Broadband and Phone Cancellation Charges

Budget internet provider TalkTalk UK has increased the cost of its early termination charges by up to +£2 extra a month, which is the fee you pay when choosing to leave your broadband and or phone service contract before its minimum term period (12 or 18 months) has expired.

The early termination fees levied by BT, TalkTalk and Virgin Media were first established in July 2010 after Ofcom ruled that the charges ISPs set when customers leave early should also reflect the costs that the providers save by no longer providing the service (here), which means that most consumers should end up paying less than the payments left under their remaining contract.

However some prices (line rental, call charges etc.) have increased and as a result TalkTalk has felt the need to hike its related phone and broadband bundle charges.

TalkTalks New Early Termination Charges

TalkTalk Legacy Package – £9.50 per month remaining (old price: £8)
TalkTalk Essentials – £9.50 per month remaining (old price: £8)
TalkTalk Plus – £15.50 per month remaining (old price: £13.50)

The new prices, which have all been agreed with Ofcom, are expected to take full effect from 1st November 2012. It’s worth noting that Ofcom’s related view of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999 Act is intended to apply to all landline providers, not just the big boys.