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Are you sick of Sky or tired of TalkTalk? Switching between the two providers is relatively easy, so what are you waiting for? Here's all you need to know.

TalkTalk and Sky both use the Openreach network so moving from one to the other is quite straightforward. This guide explains how to switch between Sky and TalkTalk, from finding the right deal to how to kick off the switching process, and how long it all takes.

Know which services you want to switch

Sky and TalkTalk both sell a range of broadband packages, with speeds ranging from 36Mbps to 900Mbps, along with the option to bolt on a TV package. For those that still use a home phone, that is also an option.

Picking a bundle can make life simple – you’ll get one monthly bill for all services. Make sure you pick the right one though: will you really watch all those TV channels? Remember, if you want Sky Sports or Sky Cinema, this doesn’t mean you need to opt for Sky. TalkTalk offers the option to take Sky Sports or Sky Cinema NOW TV Memberships for a month at a time.

Some people might want a TV service from one provider, and phone and broadband from another. This is where it gets a bit complicated. You can get Sky TV without Sky broadband, but you need TalkTalk broadband to get TalkTalk TV.

Either way, work out what you want to switch, what you want to keep, and what you can live without. Whether you’re switching from Sky to TalkTalk or vice versa, you’ll need to check whether their services are available in your area. In all likelihood they will be, as Sky and TalkTalk both use the Openreach network to supply their broadband services.

Compare TalkTalk broadband

Compare and choose a new deal

There are some slight differences between Sky and TalkTalk when it comes to broadband speeds. Both providers offer two superfast fibre speeds. TalkTalk’s speeds average 36Mbps and 70Mbps, and Sky’s average 36Mbps and 59Mbps. The actual speed you are likely to get may be more or less than that depending on where you live. Both providers will give you an estimate before you sign up so you know what you should be getting.

Now that Openreach is rolling out its full fibre cable network, over a third of UK properties can take advantage of these ultrafast speeds. Sky offers three full fibre packages known as Ultrafast (145Mbps), Ultrafast Plus (500Mbps) and Gigafast (900Mbps). In comparison, TalkTalk offers four full fibre deals, namely Fibre 65, Fibre 150, Fibre 500 and Fibre 900. Our broadband comparison tool will tell you whether full fibre is available in your area yet.

All the full fibre packages available from either Sky or TalkTalk offer very reliable speeds, which invariably are higher even than those advertised. And as with Superfast Fibre, new customers will be given an estimate of the actual speed they can expect to receive.

Customers still wanting the use of a home phone will automatically receive pay-as-you-go landline service from Sky if you sign up to Superfast Fibre, and if you sign up for one of Sky’s Full Fibre plans you can choose to have pay-as-you-go Internet Calls or bolt on a Sky Talk package – choose from anytime unlimited calls, evenings and weekends and international. TalkTalk does not as yet offer any kind of home phone service with its full fibre packages – this is only available with its superfast fibre service. Like Sky, TalkTalk offers the choice of evenings and weekends, anytime and international call packages.

If contract length is an issue for you, it’s worth knowing that TalkTalk deals all come with a minimum contract term of 24 months, whereas Sky only requires 18 months.

Many people opt for Sky due to its excellent TV packages. All Sky TV customers get Sky Entertainment and Sky Box Sets to which you can then add on Sky Cinema and Sky Sports.

TalkTalk’s TV package includes the essential Freeview channels as standard and the option to bolt on NOW TV Entertainment, NOW TV Cinema, and NOW TV Sport to your service if you wish.

Whatever you’re after, finding the best deal is easiest when all the information you need is in one place. Our comparison tools take out a lot of the click-work, meaning you can compare features, costs and contracts easily.

No need to speak to your old provider

There’s no need to have an awkward break-up conversation with either Sky or TalkTalk, unless you are cancelling your Sky TV service, in which case you will have to call Sky yourself.

Switching between Sky and TalkTalk broadband should be relatively straightforward as both use the Openreach network so your new provider can take over your existing phone line rather than having to install a new one. The switching process should take about two weeks and once completed, you’ll receive a notification confirming the switch, along with your final bill.

Check your current contract

If you’re still within the minimum period of your Sky or TalkTalk contract, you’ll be charged cancellation fees if you leave; exactly how much will depend on how many months you have left on your contract when you cancel. Check your original paperwork or your online Sky or TalkTalk account if you’re not sure how long you’ve got left. If you are out of contract, you will have received notification from Sky or TalkTalk as this is now required by Ofocm.

If you’re still within your minimum contract term and liable for cancellation fees, you’re unlikely to save money by switching. That being said, if you are switching to Sky, you can claim up to £100 credit on your account if TalkTalk charges you termination fees to leave. You’ll need to send a copy of your final TalkTalk bill to Sky to claim the money back. TalkTalk’s termination fees average £10 per every month you have left on your contract.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay set-up fees?

If you’re just buying broadband, you won’t be charged any upfront fees at all by Sky, and TalkTalk only charges a small fee to cover router delivery. If you are buying a broadband and TV package, Sky charges an upfront fee for SKy Glass and Sky Q but not for Sky Stream. TalkTalk does not require an upfront cost for its TV service.

How long will it take to switch?

Because both Sky and TalkTalk use the Openreach network, switching should be pretty easy and you should be set up with your new provider within about two weeks. If you are switching from superfast fibre to full fibre, you will need an engineer to come and do the installation.

Will I face cancellation charges for leaving?

Cancellation charges are likely to apply if you switch providers when you’re still in your minimum contract term. The end date of your contract should be stated on your original paperwork from Sky or TalkTalk, or you can find it in your online account.

Can I keep my home phone number?

Yes. There is no reason to lose your home phone number when you switch between Sky and TalkTalk. Just make sure you let your new provider know you want to keep your existing number when you sign up.

Can I keep my Sky or TalkTalk email address?

If you have a Sky email address, you can still use it when you leave Sky but you’ll need to log in regularly to avoid it being closed down.

If you leave TalkTalk, your email account should stay active for 12 months. After this, you won't be able to manage your email using "My Account” anymore so you won’t be able to do things like changing your password.

Do I have to give Sky or TalkTalk notice I am leaving?

Cancellation periods with Sky depend on the service. A minimum 31 days’ notice is required to cancel Sky TV while Sky Broadband requires at least 14 days’ notice. Sky Q equipment, Sky TV pucks and the Sky router remain the property of Sky and will need to be returned along with any additional Sky equipment such as broadband boosters.

TalkTalk generally requires 30 days’ notice if you’re leaving. If you need to return your router or TV box, TalkTalk should send you the necessary packaging. If you don't send equipment back when requested, TalkTalk will add an equipment charge to your final bill.

Can I get Sky channels on TalkTalk?

Leaving Sky doesn’t mean you can’t access Sky TV channels any more. Customers can choose to bolt on any NOW TV Membership to their TalkTalk TV package, meaning you can still get the best of Sky channels with TalkTalk, including Sky Atlantic.

Conclusion

Switching between Sky and TalkTalk should be pretty easy. Are you sure you want to switch though? Before you decide, it’s worth giving your current provider a call to see if it can offer you a deal which makes staying worthwhile. If not, it’s time to move on and not look back.

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