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Mon, 05 Oct 2026

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 BT agrees rescue deal to buy broadband operator TalkTalk

The takeover still needs to be approved by the regulator, but would give certainty to TalkTalk's millions of customers
The regulator, Ofcom, says broadband customers should have the right to leave a contract without an exit fee if a new owner puts prices up beyond what was in the contract. TalkTalk began as a challenger to BT in the broadband market but has since accumulated debt and lost customers, leading to its current financial struggles. BT's takeover of TalkTalk will give the company greater power over the broadband market, with Virgin Media arguing that it will reduce competition and potentially lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses. The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) will need to approve the takeover, but the government has given itself the power to make a final decision on the deal if necessary. BT has said it welcomed the intervention and would work constructively with the government and the CMA during their review. The company has estimated that the takeover will cost £400m, including the purchase price, fees, and TalkTalk's expected loss for this year.