If you like a natter, and are a customer of Talk Talk, it might be time to think about how much money you are willing to pay for the privilege of talking to your friends and family. It has been announced by Talk Talk that there will be an increase in the amount it charges monthly for its’ line rental. From October 2011 line rental for Talk Talk customers will be £13.80, which represents a 9.5% increase – potentially adding £14 to their annual bills. This news follows an announcement from BT that they will be increasing their line rental and call charges by 5%.

Talk Talk defended the rise by stating that it will be offering the option of an annual upfront payment, which reduces the payment to something equivalent to £9.50 per month. This offer unfortunately is only available to customers who also use their broadband service. The monthly line rental costs now being implemented by Talk Talk are still cheaper then BT, who charge £14.60; although they state that they intend to freeze their prices until 2013.