If you are searching for faster, cheaper, or more reliable internet, here are the main things you should know about switching providers.
Switch broadband in three easy steps
Check your postcode: Enter your postcode and address into the box on our Uswitch broadband page to see what's available in your area.
Compare broadband packages: Browse a range of broadband deals available to you and find one that suits you best.
Select the right deal for you: Click on your chosen broadband package and make the purchase on the provider's website.
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Reasons to switch broadband
Broadband prices have steadily increased in recent years, and it doesn't help that many providers now include price increases in the terms & conditions of their contracts when you sign up.
If you're with a provider that does this your monthly bills will increase each year, and when you reach the end of your contract they're likely to jump even more.
If you're through the initial term of your contract then you're free as a bird to compare broadband deals near you and see what you could switch to. However, if you’re still in contract with your provider, cancelling your contract might incur an exit fee.
The exception to this rule is when a provider increases your prices outside of any price rises stated in its terms and conditions during your agreed contract. In this instance, you would have 30 days from the day you received the notification to cancel your contract with them and switch to a new broadband provider.
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When it comes to getting better broadband, it's not all about price. Speed and reliability play a huge part when making the decision to switch broadband.
If you struggle with weak Wi-Fi, slow speeds, or regular outages, it might be time to look for a faster and more reliable internet provider.
Superfast fibre broadband is now available to over 97% of the UK, so if you’re on an old copper ADSL contract, you could probably be getting at least three times faster speeds, and quite likely at a similar or even lower price to what you're currently paying.
Of course, the fastest and most reliable broadband out there isultrafast broadband, which is often provided via a full fibre connection. If this is available in your home, this would be a great way to get speeds of over 100Mbps and a solid fibre connection that remains consistent throughout the day.
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It’s common practice for providers to offer attractive prices when you first join them, but then increase your monthly prices drastically as soon as your contract ends. So your monthly bill will almost definitely have increased significantly if you haven't switched or re-contracted for more than a couple of years.
Your provider should have issued you an end-of-contract notification around the time your contract came to an end, so make sure to see what that says about your next options.
If you're out of contract then you should definitely consider switching as you'll almost always be paying more than you signed up for. You could get faster, more reliable internet with a new broadband deal, and at a cheaper monthly price.
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Normally, moving house shouldn't affect your broadband contract, because most suppliers service most properties in the UK. But you might want to check that your current provider can actually service your new house because if they don't you might need to switch.
Take a look at our detailed guide on what to do with your broadband when moving house to find out whether you can stay with your current provider, or if you have to move onto a new one.
And for more help on moving house in general, take a look at our moving home checklist, which looks at all the other things you need to do while you prep for your move.
Most broadband providers in the UK offer other services such as a landline, pay-TV channels, and even mobile phone services.
If you signed up for a bundled contract but don't really use all your additional services, switching provider is a great opportunity to streamline what you're paying for.
Have a look for broadband-only deals to clear the clutter and just pay for what you use.
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Why should I switch broadband providers?
According to a previous Uswitch customer satisfaction survey, the most common reasons for switching broadband include price (and price rises), internet speed, connection reliability and customer service.
Source: Uswitch
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How long does it take to switch internet providers?
Although there’s no official length of time, the general rule of thumb to connect a new service is two weeks. But that doesn't mean you'll be offline for two weeks while the switch is ongoing.
You should only expect to spend roughly 30 minutes offline while the switch actually takes place.
But if your new connection needs an engineer visit, it may take a little longer for them to install it for you.
Somebroadband providerscan take up to six weeks to organise an installation, while others can set up in less than a week. Additionally, when cancelling with your current provider, you're usually required to give 30 days' notice, so be sure to plan accordingly.
If you’re transferring an entire broadband bundle or changing the type of your broadband connection — for example, upgrading from a copper ADSL connection to Virgin's cable broadband — it can take longer. This is because your new set-up may need to be physically installed, and your downtime during the switch may last a few hours.
The process is still an easy one, though. Once you sign up with a new provider, you should be able to set an installation date that’s convenient for you. From there, you can coordinate the contract cancellation date with your current provider to keep your offline time to a minimum.
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Do I need to cancel my broadband before switching?
In most cases, switching providers is seamless, and your new provider will do most of the work for you, including cancelling your current broadband contract.
Broadband providers likeBT,Sky, NOW Broadband, Plusnet, EE, and TalkTalk all operate on the same Openreach broadband network, so switching between them is very straightforward.
However, if your switch involves a provider with its own network – Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, etc – you may need to cancel your current contract yourself.
Check your T&Cs, but most providers require at least 30 days' notice. So, to avoid paying twice, schedule your start date with your new provider about a month in advance if you can.
Find out more about BT and see all of our latest BT broadband deals.
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Find out more about Sky and see all our latest Sky broadband deals.
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Find out more about Virgin Media and see our latest Virgin broadband deals.
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Find out more about TalkTalk and see our latest TalkTalk broadband deals.
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What are the costs associated with switching broadband providers?
Some providers do charge a set-up fee or have start-up costs, usually to cover the cost of equipment. These can include things such as Wi-Fi routers, TV set-top boxes, or if you need a new line installed – for instance, when upgrading to full fibre or moving to a new network like Virgin Media or Hyperoptic.
That being said, set-up fees aren't as common as they used to be, with very few attached to Uswitch broadband deals.
The only other costs you might incur when switching broadband are any cancellation or outstanding fees from your previous provider. But if you're out of contract and can time your switch right, there won't be too much to pay.
Can I change my broadband service before my contract is up?
If you want to change broadband service before the initial term of your contract is up, you'll likely have to pay an exit fee. This will often be fairly substantial and will likely cancel out any savings you'd make by switching early.
The exception to this would be if your provider raises its prices above what's stated in the terms of your contract or is unable to provide you with the services you signed up for. This could be the case when you move home and your provider isn't available at your new address.
If that's the case, get in touch with your old provider ASAP, as they might make you provide plenty of proof that you're moving.
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Can I get broadband documents in Braille or alternative formats?
For people who may struggle to access important documents in a standard format, it might be worth asking the potential new provider what format they will be provided in.
Companies have a legal requirement to make reasonable adjustments to make their services accessible to customers with disabilities. For example, providing paperwork in a Braille, audio, or email alternative. TheRoyal National Institute of Blind Peoplefurther lays out the provisions of The Equality Act 2010.
How to choose the best broadband provider for you
Here's how you can find a provider that matches what you need the closest.
1. Choose a broadband package based on your needs
The best broadband package is the one that’s best for you, so consider your usage habits and budget when you compare what’s on offer.
Does your household really need ultrafast broadband speeds over 100Mbps? Do you want to bundle digital TV with your broadband and landline? And, for that matter, do you actually need a landline?
2. Read through some broadband provider reviews
Customer service and reliability are significant factors to consider when choosing a new broadband provider. In-depth reviews of all the major UK broadband providers can help you see how they compare and how satisfied customers are with their products and services.
Uswitch broadband provider reviews
Read our expert reviews of all of the UK's biggest broadband providers.
3. Switch with confidence
If you change your mind while the switch is being processed, you're still free to cancel without any penalty. But only if you do so within 14 calendar days of the start of the new contract.
The secret to saving money on your telecoms bill is just to be aware of what you're paying each month.
Two years can be a lifetime in technology, so there could be better value deals available when your contract nears its end - simply check, compare your bill to what's out there, and make the switch.”
Ernest Doku, Broadband and mobiles expert
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Switching broadband FAQs
In much the same way that you would transfer your mobile number over when you switch to a new contract, your current home broadband provider should allow you to keep your landline number when you move to a new provider, as per Ofcom regulations.
Your new provider doesn’t have to accept your request to transfer over your number, but it’s typically in their best interest to do so. To make sure you can take your landline number with you, ask your new provider if they’re able to make this transfer when you’re arranging the switch.
Here's a guide onhow to contact your broadband providerif you'd like to get in touch with its customer service team swiftly.
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The popularity of free email services like Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo has grown significantly in recent years. However, there are still those that access their provider’s email services instead.
The option to keep access to your email address, unfortunately, depends entirely on your provider. For the most part, providers tend to leave email accounts alone, but it would be a good idea to check with your current provider about this before you switch.
If you’re able to keep your email account, you'll still want to set up auto-forwarding on the account you're not going to use anymore and create a new account to receive your email.
Get more information onhow to keep your email address when you switch internet providerwith our dedicated guide.
Broadband switching is typically seamless, and most customers experience no more than half an hour offline. If you're arranging your own switch (e.g. to/from Virgin Media or Hyperoptic or upgrading to full fibre) keep this in mind when organising your start and end dates. An overlap of a day or two could be a good idea.
Most of the switching process is done for you by your new provider. Once you provide your details and select a switching date, the rest is done for you.
