Vittorio Colao was concerned indirect distribution could not fulfil Vodafone’s strategy of controlling the customer experience

Any takeover needs the approval of TalkTalk founder and biggest shareholder Charles Dunstone

He will be replaced by deputy chairman Ian Livingston at the end of April

Ofcom chief Ed Richards is on a fresh rampage, backed by Brussels, and UK operators can only delay the inevitable. Separately, Tesco issues 12 month contracts. Watch out Charles Dunstone