Do I have to pay for broadband I didn’t want?

Q I HAD a TalkTalk landline from 2006 to 2014. Then I moved into sheltered accommodation nearby, keeping with TalkTalk because it meant free calls to a disabled friend.

But TalkTalk then insisted on broadband despite my not having a computer. The unwanted broadband element is expensive, I now pay £33.85 a month including £12.50 internet.

I realise this “TalkTalk to TalkTalk” customer free calls may not be worth it any more. What should I do? Brian M

A TALKTALK no longer offers new customers phone only packages. It says few want this so all deals have internet connections for simplicity.

When you move home, whether next door or hundreds of miles away, you become a new contract.

Regulator Ofcom says there are only 1.5 million homes without broadband – mostly elderly people who have stuck with BT (which was forced to cut prices for these customers in March). But landlines are very important for some.

TalkTalk says you could have a deal including internet for under £19 a month – roughly what you were paying before you moved. It is not clear why you were not offered this when you complained or whether it was then available. This is the easiest solution.

Alternatively, you should switch phone providers – either online or calling a comparison site. You are unlikely still to be in a TalkTalk long term contract. USwitch features seven landline-only deals.

You could consider Vonnage whose products start at £9.25 a month offering unlimited calls to UK landlines. For £15 a month, this firm offers some overseas calls and free calls to UK mobile numbers.

The more expensive package still sees you nearly £20 a month better off than now with no cost calls to your friend. You can “port” your existing number so you won’t have to change it again.

Or there are mobile phone deals with limitless free talking. Three, for example has one at £11 a month. You would be quids in.

TalkTalk says: “Our decision to cease landline only packages was not to charge customers more. They can still pay similar prices but with a broadband option.”