05 Oct 2026

BT acquires TalkTalk: what it means for TalkTalk customers

1.5 million customers will change broadband provider - find out what to do if you're affected, and if there's anything you need to do

Yvette FletcherPrincipal researcher & writer

A 15-year champion of consumer affairs, Yvette leads on telecoms content at Which?, helping consumers navigate the market and exposing bad practice.

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Over 1.5 million broadband customers will now move to BT after it announced it has acquired one of the UK's other largest providers - TalkTalk.

Despite being one of the UK's four largest providers (alongside BT, Sky and Virgin Media), TalkTalk has faced financial difficulties in recent years. A buyer has been sought for the business for sometime but today, BT announced it has taken over TalkTalk's business as part of a 'rescue deal'.

Why is BT buying TalkTalk?

BT says the deal will ensure continuity of service for the affected customers and that it's the best provider to step in, given it is the UK's largest overall. However, some of its rivals have expressed concerns that this move could be anti-competitive. It'll be subject to a review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The UK Government has said BT's acquisition of TalkTalk is necessary in order to protect customers, especially the vulnerable, from sudden disruption to vital services so the public interest will be considered alongside the findings of the CMA.

If BT gets final approval from the CMA and the UK Government, all affected customers will have their broadband, landline and pay TV services provided by BT.

What will this mean for TalkTalk customers?

Right now, there's nothing TalkTalk customers need to do. BT has been emphasising that continuity is a key element of this acquisition - customers should continue to receive the same services and will be contacted if any changes are introduced that will affect them. All charges will also stay the same.

You don't need to contact BT or TalkTalk unless you have a specific concern. If you'd like to be registered as a vulnerable customer, you can let TalkTalk know so it ensures this information is eventually passed on to BT.

Can I switch if I don't want to move to BT?

Contracts are carried forwards as well, so customers who are still within their minimum contract term will need to stick on the deal they're currently on, otherwise they will face an exit fee.

However, if you're out of your minimum contract period you have the right to switch at any time. The process is simple, too - read more about what happens with you switch broadband provider and hear about the experience of a Which? member who's recently made the jump.

I'm a TalkTalk customer - do I need to do anything?

No - your service will continue working in the same way. You do not need to contact BT or TalkTalk about being migrated. There won't be any changes to the amount you pay, the way you pay or the service you receive.

Also be assured that BT will not ask you to share contact details - it will be supplied these by TalkTalk. There should also not be any fees associated with this change.

Scammers may attempt to take advantage of people's concerns about their service changing - if you receive a call you're not sure about, hang up and contact TalkTalk directly instead. Read more about how to spot a phone scam for advice on how to protect yourself from scam calls.