UK ISP TalkTalk Raises Early Broadband and Phone Termination Charges

Existing TalkTalk customers, particularly those who are still under contract with the ISP, should take note that some of the providers Early Termination Charges (i.e. the ones you pay when leaving a contract before it has ended) for broadband and phone bundles will be increased in price from 15th February 2015.

A 2010 ruling by Ofcom established a guideline for early termination fees (here), which states that the charges applied by ISPs to customers who exit their contract early must also reflect the costs that the provider saves by no longer having to deliver the service. In fairness it’s been a couple of years since TalkTalk last adjusted these fees.

TalkTalks New Early Termination Charges (£ Per Month Remaining)
Simply Broadband £9.00 (OLD: £6.00)
Plus/Plus TV £20.00 (OLD: £15.50)
Essentials £13.00 (OLD: £9.50)

The adjustment is largely a reflection of the fact that line rental prices have shot up quite a bit over the past couple of years, although the mass of confusing discounts and package variations / features often makes it very difficult to know precisely how much the actual retail cost of broadband itself has changed over the same period.

Take note that it’s sometimes also possible to exit a contract without penalty, especially if the ISP fails to provide the estimated speed or introduces a significant mid-contract price hike etc.