How to cancel TalkTalk broadband

Whether you’re after faster speeds, better customer service or you’re moving out of your property, you may be looking to switch away from TalkTalk for your broadband. This could seem like a bit of a hassle and prove expensive – especially if you have several months left on your contract.

However, if you definitely want to end your contract, our guide explains what you need to do, and how to switch to another service.

When to cancel your TalkTalk broadband

In theory there’s nothing stopping you from cancelling your TalkTalk broadband. But if you haven’t reached the end of your agreed contract, it’s going to cost you. It’s common for large broadband providers to charge penalty fees for customers looking to leave their contracts early.

If you’re still in contract, how much you’ll have to pay will depend on the amount of time left on your deal and what type of broadband package you have with TalkTalk.

Out of contract? Here’s how to cancel your TalkTalk broadband

Switching provider

If your original TalkTalk broadband contract is up and you’re now on a rolling monthly deal, getting out is pretty simple.

If you’re looking to change provider, just find a different broadband service that operates in your area. After signing up with your new broadband company, in most cases it will handle your switch for you. You can use our comparison service to find one to suit you.Find better broadband deals

Stopping your broadband service or switching to Virgin Media

If you’re signing up with Virgin Media broadband, or you simply want to stop your broadband service altogether, you’ll need to notify TalkTalk directly that you want to leave.

Virgin Media uses a different network from most other broadband suppliers – these typically use the Openreach network to provide connections, and this allows customers to switch automatically between providers in the system. However, switching to Virgin Media from another supplier is a slightly more complex process for the firms involved.

You can notify TalkTalk by phone, writing or chatting online with it, explaining that you wish to leave.

If you’re not changing provider but just want to get rid of your broadband, you’ll have to do the heavy lifting. It’s important to bear in mind you need to give TalkTalk 30 days’ notice.

So, once TalkTalk confirms that it’s received your wish to cancel, your broadband will end 30 days from then.

How to cancel your TalkTalk broadband while in a contract

Sadly, if you haven’t come to the end of your agreed broadband contract term with TalkTalk, you’ll generally have to pay an early termination fee. The cost will vary depending on the type of service you’re signed up for and how long you have left on your TalkTalk deal.

Generally, TalkTalk calculates your early termination charge based on the number of months you have left on your contract and charges an amount per month left.

If you’re on a TalkTalk Fibre 35 package, you’ll have to pay £10.20 for each month left on your deal. So for example, if you have 3 months left on your contract term, you’ll have to pay at least £30.60 (3 x £10.20) (last checked July 2021).

TalkTalk has full details of its monthly penalty charges for each broadband package it offers on its website.

You’ll also get charged if you sign up for a monthly boost as part of your existing package but then cancel it before the minimum commitment period is over. This period is generally about a month.

If you’re not put off by these early exit fees, here’s what you should do next. We break down the different steps into whether you’re switching provider or simply cancelling your broadband.

Switching provider

The process of switching provider is pretty much the same as the process for customers who are out of their contracts.

Here’s how you go about switching.

• Find a new provider. Check which broadband providers operate in your area. Most companies use the Openreach network, so this should be easy. Virgin Media is an exception to this (see above).
• Switch provider. Sit back and relax, as the new provider will contact TalkTalk and tell them you’re switching. Your broadband will then automatically switch to your new provider.
• Switching to Virgin Media? If you’re moving to Virgin and you don’t want to take your home phone number with you, you’ll need to get in touch with TalkTalk yourself. Call, send a letter or chat to an assistant online.
• Pay outstanding fees. TalkTalk will ask you to pay any outstanding bills, as well as any early termination fees.
• Return your TV box. If you have TalkTalk TV, you need to call and ask it to send you a prepaid returns bag. If you don’t, TalkTalk will charge you £75.

Stopping your broadband service

You might be moving in with a partner or leaving the country. Whatever the case, you might want to just cancel your broadband while you’re still in your contract period. It’s a bit more hassle than switching provider but still doable.

• Notify TalkTalk. Call, send a letter or speak with an assistant on the TalkTalk website, explaining that you wish to cancel.
• Cancelling by post? Clearly and unambiguously state you wish to stop your TalkTalk broadband. You’ll need to provide your full name, your TalkTalk phone number, your signature and your contact phone number or address.
• One month’s notice. You need to give TalkTalk 30 days’ notice, so you can’t just cancel the broadband overnight.
• Outstanding fees. Pay any early termination charges or other fees within this month-long notice period.
• Return TV box. As mentioned above, if you have TalkTalk TV, you need to call and ask for a prepaid returns bag. If you don’t, TalkTalk will charge you £75.

The bottom line

The key thing to understand about cancelling a TalkTalk broadband plan is that it’s pretty easy to do if you’re out of contract and want to move to another provider. Doing this shouldn’t cost you a penny and most of the work is done for you, once you’ve picked a new supplier.

If you’re switching to Virgin Media or you’re stopping your broadband service altogether, you’ll need to speak to TalkTalk and let it know you wish to leave. Again, this shouldn’t cost you anything if you’re out of contract.

If you’re still in contract, check your deal’s terms and make sure you’re prepared to pay any early exit fees.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I leave if I'm not happy with TalkTalk's broadband speed?

  TalkTalk should give you a minimum guaranteed speed. Should your Internet speed go below this level, you have the right to cancel without being penalised.

• Can I leave if TalkTalk raises its prices?

  Yes. Following an Ofcom ruling, customers can get out penalty free if their provider raises prices on its service. However, you have to leave within 30 days of being informed of the price rise.

• Can I leave if I simply change my mind about my TalkTalk broadband plan?

  TalkTalk offers a 20-day cooling off period from the date you first ordered your plan. This means that within that time period you can change your mind and leave without paying any penalties. But be aware that you’ll have to pay for the TalkTalk services you’ve used in that time.