Changing broadband can save money or give you a better service.
However, check your current contract before you move. Then compare the new deal by speed, price and contract length.
Check Your Contract
First, find out when your current contract ends.
You can normally find this in your provider’s app, online account or contract details.
If you leave early, you may have to pay an exit fee. So, check this before agreeing to a new deal.
Is Your Contract Ending?
Your provider must tell you when your contract is coming to an end.
This message should show important details, including your end date and what you will pay afterwards.
So, do not ignore it.
Once your contract ends, it is a good time to compare your options.
Compare the Full Cost
A low starting price does not always mean a cheap deal.
Before you choose, check:
- monthly price
- any price rises
- contract length
- setup costs
- delivery costs
- exit fees
- speed
- any extras
Then compare the cost over the whole contract.
Check for Price Rises
Some broadband contracts include price rises.
For new contracts, any planned rise must be shown clearly in pounds and pence before you sign up.
So, check both the starting price and what you will pay after any rise.
This gives you a fairer way to compare deals.
Choose the Speed You Need
Next, check the speed.
A faster package may be useful, but there is little point paying for speed you do not need.
Think about how many people use your broadband and what they do online.
Read: Broadband Speeds Explained →
Check the Connection
Also check what type of broadband you are buying.
For example, a deal may use:
- full fibre
- part fibre
- cable
- another type of connection
Full fibre can offer faster and more reliable service. However, availability depends on your address.
Read: Fibre Broadband Explained →
How Do You Switch?
Broadband switching is now much simpler.
For most home broadband switches, you only need to contact the new provider.
The new provider then manages the move through One Touch Switch.
So, you should not normally need to contact your old provider to cancel the broadband yourself.
What Happens Next?
First, sign up with your new provider.
Your old provider will then send you information about the switch, including any charges for leaving.
Read this before you go ahead.
Your new provider should also tell you if you need:
- a new router
- an engineer visit
- a new line or fibre connection
- any other work
Then the providers arrange the change.
Will You Pay Twice?
With One Touch Switch, your old provider must not charge you for a notice period after the switch date.
This helps avoid paying for both services simply because their notice periods overlap.
However, you may still have to pay other costs, such as an early exit fee or your final bill.
Will You Lose Broadband?
The switch should be arranged to keep any break in service as short as possible.
Under Ofcom’s switching rules, any loss of service should not last more than one working day.
You may also be due compensation if something goes wrong with the switch.
Check Your Email Address
Do you use an email address supplied by your broadband provider?
If so, check what happens to it when you leave.
You may lose the address or have to pay to keep it. Therefore, find out before switching and move important accounts to another email address if needed.
Broadband in a Bundle?
Your broadband may be part of a package with other services, such as TV or a landline.
If so, check what happens to the whole package before you switch.
Moving the broadband could change the price or terms of the services you keep.
Need Your Landline?
If you use a landline, tell the new provider.
Also check whether you want to keep your phone number and how your phone service will work after the switch.
This is especially important when moving to full fibre or a digital phone service.
Changing Your Mind?
If you buy broadband online or over the phone, you normally have a 14-day cooling-off period.
This gives you time to change your mind.
Different rules can apply if you sign up in a shop, so check before agreeing to the contract.
Switch in This Order
First, check when your current contract ends.
Then:
- Check any exit fee.
- Check what broadband is available.
- Choose the speed you need.
- Compare the full contract cost.
- Check any price rises.
- Choose your new provider.
- Ask the new provider to arrange the switch.
- Read the switching information from your old provider.
- Set up your new router or equipment.
Finally, check your old provider’s final bill.
Key Points
- Check your contract before switching.
- Compare the full cost, not just the starting price.
- Check speed, connection type and price rises.
- Your new provider normally manages the switch.
- Check any bundled services before you move.
Check the contract. Compare the deal. Then switch.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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