Broadband provider iTalk has entered administration after almost 19 years in business. The official notice names Andrew Pear and Richard Keley of Moorfields Advisory as administrators, placing them in control of the Brighton-based company while its future is decided.
The company provides broadband and home phone services to thousands of households across the UK. Its latest accounts are overdue at Companies House, but neither iTalk nor Moorfields has published a detailed explanation of what went wrong or issued a public update for customers.
Telecom Acquisitions, which owns the Fleur Telecom and Home Telecom brands, is now talking to the administrators about the available options. Chief executive Nigel Barnett says iTalk’s suppliers have given assurances that services shouldn’t be affected in the short term. The company wants any transfer to take place without customers losing their connection, although no takeover has yet been agreed.
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iTalk is based in Hove, near to Brighton
What this means for iTalk customers
For now, your broadband package, price and payment arrangements remain unchanged. Going into administration doesn’t end your contract, so don’t cancel your Direct Debit or stop paying your bills unless you receive formal instructions from iTalk, the administrators or a confirmed new provider.
If another company takes over the customer base, Ofcom says your existing contract should normally transfer with it and your broadband should continue without interruption. If the new provider later changes your contract terms, you should be allowed to leave without paying an early termination charge.
If no buyer is found and the service has to close, iTalk should tell you when your connection will stop. You would then need to choose another provider and shouldn’t face an early termination charge. Until that happens, there is no need to make a hurried switch purely because the company has entered administration.
