BT buys TalkTalk: What 2.5 million customers need to know about their broadband, bills and contracts

BT has bought TalkTalk in a huge £400million deal that affects around 2.5millions UK customers.

It comes amid concerns that TalkTalk was on the brink of collapse.

It means if you are a TalkTalk customer, you are set to become a BT customer.

But at the moment, TalkTalk customers can continue using their existing broadband, landline and TV services as normal, with no immediate change to prices, contracts or billing arrangements.

The deal is subject to a regulatory review, with BT and TalkTalk continuing to operate separately while that process takes place.

Here's what else TalkTalk customers need to know.

Why has BT bought TalkTalk?

BT Group has acquired TalkTalk Telecommunications Limited and PlatformX Communications Limited out of administration.

BT says the deal has been made to protect continuity of service for TalkTalk's 2.5 million residential, business and wholesale customers.

Of those, around 1.5 million are retail customers, while around one million are wholesale customers.

BT says its immediate priority is to stabilise the business and ensure customers remain connected.

However, the acquisition is expected to undergo a regulatory review over the coming weeks.

Until that process is complete, BT and TalkTalk will remain separate and continue to compete.

Will my TalkTalk broadband still work?

Yes, for now services continue as normal.

BT says it does not anticipate any interruption to services as a result of the acquisition.

There are also no immediate plans to change or retire TalkTalk broadband, landline or TV services.

This means you don't need to switch broadband provider simply because BT has bought TalkTalk.

Regulator Ofcom has also told TalkTalk customers that they should be able to continue using their landline, broadband and pay-TV services normally during the transition and beyond.

Will my TalkTalk bill go up?

Prices won't change because of the takeover in the near term.

BT says there will be no change to existing TalkTalk prices as a result of the acquisition.

Your current terms and prices remain the same.

BT has also said that customers will be contacted directly if anything changes in future.

However, this doesn't mean your price can never change.

If you already have a TalkTalk contract that allows for an annual price increase, those existing terms still apply.

Do I need to change my TalkTalk Direct Debit?

Existing TalkTalk payment arrangements remain unchanged.

BT says customers should continue paying their bills in the normal way and that their existing Direct Debit does not need to change.

If anything changes in future, BT says it will provide customers with clear instructions and notice.

Can I leave TalkTalk now?

Customers are generally still bound by the terms of their existing broadband contracts.

However, if significant changes are made to your service or pricing in future, consumer protection rules may give you additional rights.

Anyone considering switching should check their contract end date and any applicable early termination fees before cancelling.