Ask Our Expert

Switching from Sky Broadband to TalkTalk

Dear Michael, I have recently changed my call and line rental package to TalkTalk.

Despite telling Sky to cancel my service, they did not and I currently have Sky TV plus its broadband service.

With TalkTalk providing my line rental and calls package can I continue to use my Sky broadband connection, while I have TalkTalk line rental?

I was a BT customer for years up until now.

Any help would be appreciated.

Martin, via email on 9 March 2009

Our Broadband Expert says...

Dear Martin, unfortunately you cannot use your Sky Broadband (www.Sky.com) connection with a TalkTalk Broadband (www.TalkTalk.co.uk) line.

To use Sky broadband you need to have either a landline provided by BT Broadband (www.BT.com) or by Sky itself - it simply won’t work with a TalkTalk line.

However, you can take broadband from TalkTalk. When you tell Sky that you are planning on switching broadband provider, you should be issued with a MAC code. You then give this code to your new provider, and using it, TalkTalk can migrate you to its own network without a break in your connection.

Without a MAC code you might have a break in your connection between the time that your Sky broadband is cut off and your TalkTalk line is installed. However, if you did not get a MAC code and have already told Sky to cancel your broadband but they didn’t, it would be worth calling them again to make sure that you won’t be charged for a service you can’t use.

LLU Broadband

TalkTalk uses a local loop unbundled (LLU) network to deliver its broadband. LLU uses a different kind of technology to BT based lines, which is why you have to take TalkTalk’s own line rental when you sign up and why your line rental is now paid to TalkTalk instead of BT.

LLU allows TalkTalk to install its own hardware in the local telephone exchange, bypassing BT and cutting costs. This in turn allows TalkTalk and other LLU providers to offer cheap broadband deals and even “free broadband” or “free line rental”.

TalkTalk broadband

TalkTalk broadband is one of the best value providers on the market, and its Essentials myTalkTalk package offers broadband and phone for just £6.49 a month.

You then add on £10.50 for your TalkTalk line rental for a monthly total of £16.99. A one-off connection fee of £29.99 also applies.

The broadband part of the deal comes with download speeds of up to 8Mb, a 40GB download allowance and a free wireless router, while the phone aspect comes with unlimited evening and weekend calls to UK landlines and inclusive international calls to 36 destinations.

Supplier	Speed (up to)	Usage limit	Contract length	Monthly charge
Broadband + Phone - Essentials Package	24Mb	40GB	18 months	£6.99 Special Offer Free Connection Ends Soon	Call TalkTalk 0800 049 7843
Broadband + Phone - Pro	24Mb	unlimited	18 months	£14.99 Special Offer Free Connection Ends Soon	Call TalkTalk 0800 049 7843

Broadband boosts

You can also add a selection of broadband boosts to your TalkTalk package. Each boost costs £4 a month and you can choose from a faster download speed, a security boost or choose to double your download allowance to a massive 80GB a month.

Three phone boosts are also available offering half price calls to mobiles, anytime UK calls or a range of calling features including call waiting, ringback and call diversion.

NB Best buy tables (orange background) are always current.

Examples in the text of the article (white background) are correct at time of publication.