BT agrees to buy TalkTalk: what customers need to know
BT Group has agreed a deal to buy TalkTalk. Ofcom says customers don't need to do anything, and prices and contracts won't change because of the deal.
BT Group has agreed a deal to buy TalkTalk Group, the broadband and phone provider. The deal was announced on 5 October 2026, and Ofcom has moved quickly to reassure TalkTalk's customers.
The regulator says that if you are a TalkTalk customer, you remain one and you don't need to do anything differently. There will be no change to your price, your contract or how you access your bills. You should be able to keep using your landline, broadband and pay TV as normal, during the handover and afterwards. If anything changes in future, Ofcom says BT will contact affected customers directly with clear notice and support.
Why the government has stepped in
The government says TalkTalk has been looking for a buyer after a period of financial difficulty. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice under the Enterprise Act 2002, citing the risk that any sudden collapse of TalkTalk could disrupt vital phone and broadband services, including emergency calls and medical alarms. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been asked to report back to her by 19 October 2026. The government also says customers do not need to take any action and services should continue as normal.
What this means for you
- You don't need to call anyone. Your service and your bill stay as they are for now.
- Watch for letters or emails from BT or TalkTalk. If your deal is going to change, you should be told directly. Be wary of unexpected calls or texts claiming you must "move" your account or pay to keep your service.
- Know your rights if terms change. Under Ofcom's rules, providers generally have to give you at least a month's notice of changes to your contract that aren't to your benefit, and in many cases you can then leave without paying an exit fee.
Ways to save
- Check whether you're in or out of contract. Ofcom warns that switching before your minimum contract period ends could mean paying early termination charges. If you're already out of contract, you're free to look around.
- Compare before you renew. Out-of-contract customers often pay more than new ones. Use a rival's offer to ask for a better price, or switch. That can include full-fibre networks such as Connect Fibre and Highland Broadband, where they cover your address.
- Switching is simple. With One Touch Switch, you only need to contact the broadband or landline provider you're moving to, and they arrange the rest.
- Look at social tariffs. If you get Universal Credit or certain other benefits, you may qualify for a cheaper broadband or phone deal. Ofcom lists the providers that offer them.
Sources: Ofcom, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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