Switching broadband providers may seem like a complicated and long-winded process, but thanks to Ofcom rules, it is now easier than ever!
Millions of customers are out of contract and possibly overpaying for their connection, so if you are thinking of switching then you’re in the right place. This guide takes you through our top tips for finding the best deal and switching broadband providers.
Check your existing contract
Your first step should always be to check the status on your current contract. Contracts can be anywhere from 12 months to 24 months and switching providers mid contract could mean you incur an exit fee.
There are a few occasions where you may be able to leave a contract early for free, for example if a provider increases its prices outside of its terms and conditions while you're within the agreed contract, you may have 30 days to cancel your contract with them and switch to a new broadband provider. Or if they are unable to provide the minimum speed promised when you signed up, though, you need to contact your provider first and give them the chance to fix the problem.
Decide what broadband speed you need
Broadband package speeds can range from 10Mb up to 1Gb, so you should give some thought to what speed you actually need. It may seem tempting to go for the fastest speed you can get, but this could be a waste of money if you hardly use the internet.
As a guide, you should allow roughly 10Mb for every member of the household, and up to 20Mb if any are gamers or if you stream TV in 4K. For more information view our guide What broadband speed do I need?
Broadband speeds are constantly improving and reaching new areas - Superfast broadband is now available to over 95% of the UK. So you may well be able to get speeds far greater than you previously could.
Compare deals
Use our broadband comparison page to find a great deal.
A few things to consider when comparing are:
- Contract length - whilst a shorter contract gives you more flexibility to change sooner, a longer contract can offer better value
- Data limits - Most packages now are unlimited, meaning you can download as much as you want without occurring any extra charges. But it is still something you want to double check to be sure
- Free gifts, discounts and other offers - Providers offer a range of extras like free gifts, free virus protection, or the first month free. Whilst they are not usually the main reason you would chose that particular provider, these little extras can help to seal the deal if you are torn between two providers. Just be sure to check the cost after any discounted period expires
- Set up fees - Some providers charge a one off fee to get your new broadband set up and the equipment posted out to you, so make sure you take this into consideration
To bundle or not to bundle
You could find a better deal by bundling your broadband and TV into one package. This has the added benefit of only having to deal with one provider and one bill. Providers often give discounts which means it’s much cheaper than paying for your TV separately.
View all our broadband and TV deals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my email address if I switch broadband providers?
If your email address is from your current broadband provider, then you may not be able to keep it if you switch. Some providers do allow you to keep the email, either for a certain amount of time, or for a small fee. Others will simply delete it when you switch.
We would recommend using an email that is not linked to your broadband service, such as Gmail or Outlook, and avoiding broadband providers emails. You may have to start changing your email address on all your accounts, but this way you will never have to worry about losing it if you switch.
Can I keep my landline number if I switch broadband providers?
Yes, your landline number can be transferred when you switch broadband providers. Your new provider will usually ask you for this when you sign up, or you can contact them directly to confirm.
How long does it take to switch broadband providers?
It usually takes around two weeks to switch broadband providers, but may be longer if you need an engineer visit.
Will I lose service when switching broadband providers?
There is usually very little interruption to your broadband service when you switch, especially if you are switching between Openreach providers. The process is typically seamless and you should experience little to no downtime, though in some cases it may be an hour or two. Of course there is always the risk of technical problems, but these are rare.
If you are switching to a different network, the most common being moving from Openreach to Virgin Media, or vice versa, then these lines can actually run side by side. So if you want to be certain there is no downtime, you can keep your old service running till your new service is live. Of course this means you will be paying for two lines for a short period. Otherwise you will need to arrange for both services to be switched on the same day.
Do I need to cancel my existing broadband before switching?
If your new provider and your existing one are both on the Openreach network, then your new provider will handle everything for you.
The exception to this is when switching to providers on different cable networks, the most common being Virgin Media, or smaller providers such as Hyperoptic. In this case you will need to contact both your existing and your new provider to arrange the switch. This may change in the future as Ofcom work towards making the switching process even easier, but for now you will need to contact them both.
Can I still switch broadband if it’s currently bundled with my TV?
Some TV services require you to also take their broadband, such as BT TV. You can’t get TV from BT as a standalone product, so by removing the broadband, you will also lose the TV.
If you are with Sky TV for example, or any TV service which doesn’t require you to also take their broadband, then yes, you can switch broadband to a different provider. But be aware that this may increase the cost of the TV service as you will no longer get the benefit of the bundle.
