A BIG broadband provider is to close with all customers transferred to a new supplier in weeks.
Origin Broadband, a subsidiary of TalkTalk, is exiting the telecoms market for good on June 1.
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All affected customers will have their broadband and homephone services switched to Utility Warehouse (UW).
UW, which already provides broadband services via TalkTalk’s network, will now extend its offerings to these customers.
This announcement follows an email sent to Origin Broadband customers a few weeks ago, notifying them of the changes.
The email stated: “We’re contacting you to let you know that Origin has made the difficult decision to exit the telecoms market.
“From March 28, Utility Warehouse Limited (UW) will provide your broadband and homephone services.
“Origin will support your broadband and homephone service and handle any queries you have regarding your account and service on UW’s behalf until June 1, 2025.”
Origin Broadband was once an independent company, but after experiencing financial difficulties, TalkTalk took over ownership in 2021.
Since then, Origin has been relatively quiet and stopped accepting new customers.
Although they briefly trialled taking on new subscribers late last year, this was short-lived, leaving the future of the brand uncertain, according to ISPreview.
A TalkTalk spokesperson said: “TalkTalk and Utility Warehouse (UW) have enjoyed a long-standing partnership.
History of Origin Broadband
ORIGIN Broadband began in 2011, initially focusing on South Yorkshire before expanding across the UK.
It made a name for itself with decent customer service and some affordable Standard Fibre deals.
However, problems arose in 2018 when Origin was rescued by creditors after struggling with “substantial bad debts.”
A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) was put in place, allowing them to repay creditors over time.
In August 2021, facing over £20 million in losses, Origin began migrating all customer lines to TalkTalk’s platform.
While the Origin brand remained for existing customers, new deals were no longer offered.
TalkTalk has now agreed to transfer Origin’s customers to Utility Warehouse.
“As announced by UW recently, TalkTalk has agreed a partnership under which approximately 95,000 Origin customers will be transferred to UW.
“Impacted customers will be contacted ahead of migration. No decision has been taken on the future of the Origin brand.”
The transfer is expected to benefit TalkTalk financially, although specific details of the deal haven’t been revealed.
Affected customers will not need to take any action, and their service and monthly bill will remain unchanged.
Stuart Burnett, chief executive of UW, said: “UW is delighted to welcome these customers into our growing base of well over one million customers, who benefit from the opportunity to make valuable ongoing savings when they bundle their utilities with us.”
If you’re no longer under contract with Origin Broadband, it may be worth exploring other providers to see if you can secure a better deal elsewhere.
More than nine million Brits are out of contract on their broadband package, according to Uswitch.
While customers can leave their contract at any time, those still locked in will likely need to pay a penalty for leaving early, which varies from provider to provider.
Check if you’re out of contract
TO check if your broadband contract has ended, log into your provider’s online account or app, check your latest bill, or contact your provider directly via phone or live chat
Providers are usually required to notify you 10 to 40 days before your contract ends, usually via email, text, or letter.
How do I switch providers?
Switching TV, broadband and landline providers has become significantly easier due to new rules introduced in September 2024.
Customers now only need to contact their new provider to make the switch, eliminating the need to deal with their current provider, even if they find a better deal elsewhere.
Since 2015, customers using Openreach’s network – which includes providers like BT and Sky – have been able to switch by allowing their new provider to handle the process.
However, switching to or from providers like Virgin Media, which operates on its own independent network, previously required contacting the existing provider to arrange the change.
Ofcom’s new “One Touch” rules have streamlined the process for all networks.
Now, customers switching services only need to liaise with their new provider, regardless of the network.
These rules also ensure that customers won’t pay notice-period charges beyond the switch date, meaning they won’t be billed for overlapping services.
Additionally, providers are required to compensate customers for any issues during the switch, such as being left without service for more than one working day.
The amount of compensation will vary depending on the situation.
The new rules align broadband and TV switching with mobile switching.
Since 2019, mobile phone customers have been able to switch providers using the “text to switch” system, avoiding the hassle of calling their current network.
To find the best deals, consider visiting comparison sites such as MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch.
These platforms allow you to tailor your search based on factors like price, data allowances, and preferred providers.