Hmm, I guess that isn't such a bad idea actually. I mean these days job seekers are encouraged to check the internet etc for jobs too and sometimes it can be much easier to e-mail a CV than sending it in the post.

Sure 512Kbit/sec and 1GB a month allowance isn't going to be much use for Youtube or BBC iPlayer but if it helps their customers get back on their feet somehow and not be faced with debt collectors who would presumably want the full remainder of the contract in one lump sum if they don't pay their broadband subscription.

Fair play to Talktalk. With my ISP if I miss a single payment either through a direct debit not going through or in the case of when I first signed up, them taking one payment by card and not telling me that it was an ongoing payment, I was/would be left without internet until it was paid, and usually on a weekend when even if I can pay they won't turn it back on because no one can authorise the payment on a weekend.

If Talktalk had the option to get fairly high download limits at 24 Meg and not tie it's customers into a 18 month contract but rather a 1 or 3 month contract I seriously would consider switching over to them for both my phone and broadband.

Rob

...What can you say, this actually seems pretty selfless for a large corp... Sure it means they may keep customers that may otherwise just cancel as times get even harder, but still on the surface it really does sound genuine. Fair play CPW/TalkTalk! Doubt Virgin or whatever the call themselves will be doing anything close.

Mind you, when the shit really hits the fan, and we enter a proper depression (any takers yet?), telephone lines and broadband will be the least of most peoples concerns ;)

Normally i wouldn't touch talk talk or the cpw with barge pole. From what i hear CS, their terms, and physical service is poor...

and yet i want to shake their hands. It's actually a very reasonable plan.

The cynic in me wonders how many people will be allowed onto it, and just how much grovelling would be required.