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If you’ve stuck with the same broadband provider for several years then we’ve got some news for you – loyalty usually doesn’t pay when it comes to your internet bills. In actual fact, the majority of people have found that in switching broadband providers, they ended up with cheaper packages, faster speeds and more reliable connections. Though it might sound complicated, the process of changing broadband is really simple. Keep reading to learn how to change broadband provider, as well as how to pick a new broadband deal and how to find the cheapest/fastest broadband in your area.
Before looking into any new broadband providers or deals, you should first check your current contract to make sure you’ve completed the minimum term. Cancelling your contract before this minimum term is reached can incur extra cancellation fees. If you aren’t 100% sure about this then give your provider a call to double-check.
If you’re outside of this minimum contract period, then another smart idea is to let your current provider know of your intention to switch. If you can show them cheaper deals elsewhere then they might be willing to match this package or offer different incentives to keep you as a customer.
The best broadband package is one that’s tailored to your specific needs. Here are some things we’d recommend thinking about:
Once you’ve mulled over these considerations, head over to a price comparison site like Money Supermarket and apply any relevant filters to help refine your search.
Once you’ve picked your new provider and a broadband deal to go with them, get in touch and let them know you want to switch providers.
If you’re switching between providers who use the Openreach telecoms network – including BT, EE, Sky and TalkTalk – then your new provider will be able to arrange the entire transfer for you. They’ll let your old provider know that you’re planning to switch.
Otherwise, simply click through the steps provided by the new broadband provider to automatically notify your current provider that you want to switch.
You’ll then be sent notification letters from your current and new providers. These will confirm when the transfer is due to take place, as well as any early termination charges if relevant.
If you change your mind while the switch is being processed then you’re still able to cancel without any penalty. This cancellation needs to be done within 14 calendar days of the new contract beginning.
This step applies when switching to or from a separate network such as the ones used by Virgin Media or Hyperoptic. In this case, you’ll need to end your service with your current provider and start a new one with the new provider.
To do this, you’ll need to contact your current and new provider. You should cancel your contract with your current provider and arrange the new broadband service with the new provider.
When this is done, you’ll receive a notification from your current provider, stating that your contract is ending (along with any associated fees). Your new provider will issue you a contract form that details when your contract is due to start.
If you’ve spent over a year with your current broadband provider, then it’s probable that you’re now paying much more than when you first signed up. A common practice used by broadband providers is to initially offer attractive prices, only to start massively increasingly monthly rates when your contract ends.
The actual process of switching broadband is a fairly short one as well, often taking less than an hour. When considering the potential savings going forward, doing this is completely worth it.
If your contract hasn’t yet ended though, then cancelling early might incur an exit fee. If this is the case, then you should start looking at what’s currently available so you’re ready to switch as soon as your contract finishes.
As we said, if you’ve been with your current provider for more than a year or two then there’s a good chance you won’t have the cheapest home broadband package anymore. This is because broadband services and deals are constantly changing, meaning new deals become available and pre-existing ones become more expensive.
If you’re out of contract or your contract is coming to an end, then we’d recommend comparing broadband deals in your area. You’ll likely be able to switch and save some money!
You can hunt around for the cheapest broadband deals by using a site like Compare The Market and seeing what’s on offer.
Superfast fibre broadband is now available in over 95% of the UK. If you’re currently on an old copper ADSL contract then switching could improve your internet speed by at least 300%, while still paying at a similar or lower rate than what you’re currently on.
The easiest way to find the fastest broadband available in your area is by using a broadband postcode checker tool like the one from Cable. All you need to do is enter your postcode and you’ll be presented with the best deals, providers and speeds where you live.
There’s no set answer to this and it’ll range from provider to provider. Some providers can take as long as six weeks, while others can have everything set up in less than one week. Generally though, you can expect the process of switching internet providers to take around two weeks.
This doesn’t mean that you’ll be offline for that entire time though. Instead, your internet will be down for around 30 minutes while the switch actually happens. If your new connection requires an engineer visit then this will take slightly longer while they install it for you.
Similarly, transferring an entire broadband bundle or changing the type of broadband connection – such as upgrading from ADSL to Virgin’s cable broadband – can also take longer. This is because this new set-up might need to be physically installed.
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