TalkTalk Broadband (2022) evaluation: Indicators of enchancment

TalkTalk is the fourth largest UK ISP behind BT, Sky and Virgin Media. It constructed up its buyer base through the ADSL period and is making progress as a fibre broadband ISP, with over 70% of its prospects now on higher-speed applied sciences.

What’s usually held it again is considerations round its velocity, reliability and customer support, and its ends in final yr’s Knowledgeable Critiques Finest Broadband Awards survey made for some fairly dismal studying. The truth is, TalkTalk got here final of the key UK ISPs on all three counts.

In 2022, the information isn’t fairly as unhealthy. TalkTalk nonetheless trails the pack on reliability, however not by a big margin, whereas its velocity outcomes at the moment are higher than these of some rivals. The customer support figures aren’t nice however they’re not as unhealthy as Virgin Media’s. What’s extra, extra of its customers would advocate it than these of Virgin Media or EE. TalkTalk nonetheless isn’t successful any awards, however there are particular indicators of enchancment.

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TalkTalk Broadband evaluation: Fibre 35 and Fibre 65

Like most ISPs, TalkTalk’s doing its greatest to brush any remaining ADSL companies underneath the carpet. It continues to supply them to current prospects however you received’t discover them marketed on its web site. As a substitute, it begins its line-up with Fibre 35 and Fibre 65 packages, supplying you with common speeds of 38Mbits/sec and 67Mbits/sec, respectively. It doesn’t specify an add velocity.

Each plans include TalkTalk’s WiFi Hub, a Wi-Fi 5 router with 4×4 MU-MIMO and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Whereas it’s not going to be as quick as trendy Wi-Fi 6 routers, it’s a really trendy and purposeful unit.

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TalkTalk Broadband evaluation: Fibre 150 and Fibre 250

If 67Mbits/sec isn’t sufficient, you possibly can transfer as much as the Fibre 150 and Fibre 250 packages. These are each primarily based on OpenReach’s G.Quick expertise, with common obtain speeds of 145Mbits/sec and 290Mbits/sec however availability will likely be restricted by G.Quick’s stalled roll-out.

TalkTalk Broadband evaluation: Future Fibre 150, 500 and 900

Fortunately, OpenReach’s FTTP rollout continues apace, whereas Plusnet has additionally partnered up with CityReach in some areas. That places extra individuals inside attain of its Future Fibre 150, 500 and 900 packages.

The large cope with these isn’t simply the upper speeds – 147Mbits/sec, 506Mbits/sec and 900Mbits/sec respectively – however that every comes with an Amazon eero 6 router or eero Professional 6 mesh system, supplying you with Wi-FI 6 and improved connection speeds and protection. All three companies additionally include an Knowledgeable set up service to get them up and working.

We like TalkTalk’s progressive, all-in method, because it guarantees first rate speeds and future-proof connectivity all through the house. Nevertheless, there’s no landline or calls included, so issue that into your selections.

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TalkTalk Broadband Merchandise and Costs

TalkTalk Broadband evaluation: Protection

TalkTalk runs most of its companies over OpenReach’s community, that means 93% of the UK inhabitants ought to be inside attain of a fibre connection, whereas a minimum of six million houses ought to have the choice of Ultrafast FTTP companies.

Nevertheless, like Vodafone, TalkTalk has additionally partnered with CityFibre and different smaller networks, with plans to cowl 285 cities, villages and cities by the top of 2025. TalkTalk is eager to develop its FTTP presence, and has among the most cost-effective ultrafast packages on the market.

TalkTalk Broadband evaluation: Efficiency and Buyer Satisfaction

Regardless of enhancing in 2022, TalkTalk nonetheless isn’t main the best way on buyer satisfaction in our survey. Solely 11% of consumers say they’d be extremely more likely to advocate it, in comparison with 17% for Sky and BT and 15% for Plusnet or Vodafone. That stated, it nonetheless pulls forward right here of EE. What’s extra, TalkTalk’s figures for Velocity and Reliability at the moment are

pretty respectable. Some 68% of customers are happy with the reliability of their connection, whereas 65% are pleased with its velocity. 58% are happy with worth for cash.

The place issues go south is customer support. TalkTalk nonetheless struggles right here, with solely 41% of consumers describing themselves as happy, and 22% dissatisfied, though Virgin Media fares even worse, with 37% and 26%. And, whereas Ofcom’s most up-to-date analysis isn’t as harsh on TalkTalk because it has been in earlier years, TalkTalk nonetheless falls under the typical for buyer satisfaction and above the typical for complaints per 100,000 subscribers. Nevertheless, TalkTalk’s 81 isn’t fairly as unhealthy as Vodafone’s 103.

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TalkTalk Broadband evaluation: Verdict

TalkTalk is investing closely in FTTP companies whereas preserving its costs low and customer support does appear to be enhancing – albeit from a woeful place. Our survey outcomes appear to point that that is working, and that TalkTalk is starting to win some hearts and minds.

We nonetheless wouldn’t advocate it over rivals, particularly when Plusnet is so sturdy on the finances finish, however that would simply change with extra time and a few higher ends in the subsequent spherical of Ofcom analysis. TalkTalk may simply be on the up.