Sky has introduced a £5 charge for customers choosing to take up its 2Mb broadband service without signing up to Sky Talk.

While most Sky TV customers taking advantage of the free broadband package could be tempted by Sky Talk's unlimited calls deal, those that opt not to put their name to a contract will need to pay £5 for their broadband service.

A spokesperson for the provider told the Guardian that the new price plan will reward those taking up a triple-play bundle of TV, phone and broadband.

The Sky representative told the newspaper: "More of our Sky TV customers are saving money by switching to us for phone and broadband and the biggest savings are available to those who take a bundle of all three products.

"We believe in being fair with customers, so we're giving plenty of notice of these changes."

Sky's top-of-the-range contract is currently a 16Mb home broadband offering.