TalkTalk full-fibre broadband users to get an all-new Sky Q rival next month

TalkTalk has confirmed that it’s in “late-stage discussions” to offer some of its broadband customers the chance to switch to a new telly provider starting from next month. Beginning in October, TalkTalk is looking to partner with Netgem to bring a new set-top box and selection of channels to its customers. Unlike Sky Q, Netgem doesn’t rely on a satellite dish, but instead simple plugs into your broadband connection – which means it will be available to flat owners without access to a Sky Q-compatible communal dish, and renters who aren’t able to drill into the wall or roof to install a dish, for example.

Since Netgem streams everything over your internet connection, the telly box won’t be available to those with slower broadband plans from TalkTalk. The company is expected to insist that only ultrafast full-fibre subscribers can add the new set-top box to their monthly plan. Full-fibre, which is slowly replacing ageing copper infrastructure across the UK, provides speeds up to 15x faster than older connections.

To access these faster speeds, customers will need to live in an area with upgraded infrastructure. According to a recent report, around half of all homes in the UK are supplied by faster full-fibre connections. However, that’s only half the battle – customers will need to pay more each month to access these ludicrous download speeds, since all broadband suppliers charge more for the highest speeds.

If you’re familiar with the Netgem brand, it’s likely because the internet-fuelled telly company already works with a number of broadband suppliers, including the likes of Pure Telecom and Community Fibre. Netgem boasts some 175 channels – all streamed over the internet – including the likes of BBC Alba, Virgin One, Crime + Investigation, History, National Geographic, and MTV, to name a few.

The box also arrives with built-in support for 35 apps, including the likes of Amazon Prime, BritBox, All4, ITV Hub, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and BT Sport.

The latest-generation hardware from the company arrives with support for crisp Ultra HD (4K) picture quality, so you’ll be able to stream the latest must-binge boxsets and blockbuster movies in the highest quality available right now. Prices for a basic telly package will start from £4 for TalkTalk customers, it has been confirmed.

There’s no word on an exact release date, but we’ve been told to expect more details ahead of the launch to new and existing customers next month.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, a spokesperson for TalkTalk said: “We can confirm that we are in late-stage discussions with Netgem. As with everything we do, we are always looking to give our customers the best TV experience in the market.”