Many people can be discouraged from switching their broadband provider because they think that it’s a complicated and time-consuming process.
If you do things properly, this isn’t the case at all, and depending on the circumstances, you can complete the administration aspect of the switching process in under 20 minutes. Once that is done, your internet can be provided by a new company within weeks.
To help you switch your broadband in 2023 the right way, make sure to follow these steps:
Find out if you can switch
Unless you’re on a flexible agreement, you’re unable to leave your provider whenever you want. When you get broadband, you’ll likely be tied into a fixed-term contract, meaning that you cannot leave until you finish the period specified on your contract.
In the past, these contracts were, on average, 12 months long, but now many providers have increased their average contract length to 24 months. This was done to stop people from switching providers more often so that each company could guarantee an income for longer.
These contract lengths mean that it’s very important that you check how long into your contract you are and if you’re able to switch. You’ll usually receive some form of correspondence, be it a letter or an email, to let you know that your contract is up and that you’ve served your minimum term.
When trying to switch after your contract, you’ll be able to do so freely and without any costs, making it much easier and less of a hassle.
It is still possible to switch while under contract, although you will be hit with expensive early cancellation fees. The costs of these fees will alter depending on the provider, but you’ll likely have to pay for the remainder of the contract all at once when leaving early.
Choose Your new Broadband Deal
If you can switch without paying a fee, or if you’re set on leaving and are happy to pay a cancellation fee, the next thing you’ll have to do is choose your new provider.
You shouldn’t rush in when choosing your new broadband deal and should take your time using our broadband comparison tool to find the most suitable deal. Never just go with the fastest package on average in the UK, as this may be too expensive for your needs, and there’s a chance that you might not even be able to get that speed depending on where you live.
You must consider various different factors when selecting your broadband. Things like the speed you need, the package you want, the number of users you have, the price, and your location all play a part in dictating which broadband deal is best.
To get a better idea of which provider is right for you, you can look at various online reviews in addition to using our tool. This allows you to see what people have been saying about the brands and shows an overall star rating for you to determine the quality that you’re likely to get.
Do not that all broadband providers rank fairly low in comparison to other businesses. This is likely because broadband is an essential utility, so if things go even slightly wrong, users will be more inclined to leave a bad review. That’s why for comparison’s sake, you should only compare broadband provider review scores with other broadband providers.
To help you get a better idea of what’s available, here’s a look at the Trustpilot scores of the top six broadband providers.
Contact your new provider
Once you’ve made your choice of a new provider and have the package you want in mind, you need to contact them to start the switch. You can usually do this by phone, although it’s possible to get all set up on the web.
If you’re switching between providers who both use the Openreach telecoms network, then your new provider will be able to fully manage the transfer and help you get switched seamlessly without any input from you.
Once your switch has been confirmed, you’ll likely get contacted by both your old and new provider, detailing when your old service ends and your new service starts.
If one of the providers that you’re switching between isn’t using Openreach to provide their broadband, such as Virgin, then you’ll need to contact your current provider to stop the service. This is known as a ‘cease and re-provide’.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll be given a cancellation date. When you have that, you’ll be able to contact your new provider and organise your new service to commence on or after that date.
Do note that when switching between providers who don’t use Openreach, there may be a period where you do not have broadband service. However, this shouldn’t last too long.