Switching broadband providers
Staying loyal to your broadband provider could actually be costing you money.
New broadband deals are released all the time, which means you could be getting more for your money while paying less with another provider.
But just how easy is it to switch broadband?
We’ll show you how simple switching broadband providers can be, as well as what to look out for when making the change.
Key points
When switching broadband providers, weigh up the pros and cons of your current deal vs the competition
Ofcom’s ‘one touch’ switching process makes it easier than ever to change internet provider
Compare deals before you find a new broadband provider. Pay attention to key factors such as speed, download caps and other charges
Watch out for disconnection fees and always check the small print for any hidden clauses
Why switch broadband provider?
There are many reasons why you should consider switching broadband providers, including better service, faster speeds, and greater value for money.
Some contracts even come with extra perks, such as freeview TV, Wi-Fi boosters and discounts on streaming services. And you might be able to get all that at a cheaper price than you’re paying right now.
If your initial contract has ended, you’ll probably be on a rolling deal with the offer you signed up to years ago. In fact, lots of broadband providers tempt customers with introductory offers, so it’s likely that your monthly bill will increase once your minimum contract has expired. So you could be paying a lot more than you originally budgeted for, especially if you’ve also been stung by mid-contract broadband price rises .
Lots of broadband providers save their best deals for new customers. So it's worth switching once you're out of contract.
How to switch broadband provider
To switch broadband, follow these easy steps:
Check your contract
You should only switch your internet supplier when the minimum term has come to an end. While you can technically switch broadband at any time, if you’re still under contract, you will probably have to pay a hefty cancellation fee.
Check the terms and conditions carefully and contact your provider’s customer service team if you’re still unsure.
Use a comparison tool to see your options
Enter your postcode and current broadband provider above to see what deals are on offer in your area.
You can then filter the results to find the right broadband provider for you.
Look at the speeds available, contract length, upfront costs and type of connection to get a full picture of the deals available.
Pick your deal and switch
Once you’ve chosen a deal, pick a date for your new broadband to go live. An engineer visit might be necessary to set it up.
Most of the time, your new provider will handle the switch from start to finish, including informing your current provider. You’ll also receive a brand-new router, either via post or when an engineer comes to install your new connection.
Switch broadband with ‘One Touch Switch’
Depending on which network you’re with, you might be able to switch broadband via Ofcom’s 'One Touch Switch’ process.
Here are some of the providers that offer ‘One Touch Switch’:
Once the broadband switching process has started, you’ll receive written confirmation from your old and new providers. If you change your mind, you can always cancel the switch, which is usually free of charge if you’re within the cooling-off period. However, if you cancel after this, you could be charged.
An added safeguard is that your providers will keep a record of your consent to switch broadband. This protects you against ‘slamming’, where your network provider is changed without your knowledge or permission.
How long does it take to switch broadband provider?
The switching process usually takes no more than two weeks. You’ll be given a date and time for when your new provider will deliver your router and/or come to fit it for you.
If you’re switching between Openreach providers, it won’t usually be necessary for an engineer to come to your home. It’s usually just a case of plugging your new router into a socket and your internet connection point.
However, if you’re switching to Virgin Media from an Openreach provider, for example, an engineer will usually need to complete the installation process. This could take one to two hours and you’ll have to wait for a date when an engineer is available.
What to look for when switching broadband
If you plan on switching, here’s what you should look out for:
Speed
Make sure you pick a broadband deal that’ll give you the speeds you want without paying for more than you need. While opting for the fastest speeds available might be tempting, our data shows that a third of customers are overpaying on their home broadband . Use our handy broadband calculator to help you work out what speed you need.
Also, keep in mind that the advertised speed of your potential new internet provider is the maximum you could get. In reality, it could be considerably slower (especially during peak times).
Use our broadband speed test to see how your internet is currently performing.
Location
Where you live will impact the type of broadband you can get. For instance, your postcode might not support fibre broadband, so this option will be unavailable to you.
Equally, there are plenty of local broadband providers around, so you might be able to find a cheaper deal from an altnet (alternative network) that’s based where you live.
Compare broadband in your area with our handy comparison tool.
Type of broadband
Before switching broadband providers, give some thought to the type of broadband your potential new network is offering.
Choose between options including:
- ADSL - The slowest type of broadband available. It uses the copper wires of your telephone line
- Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) - Connects your local internet exchange to the cabinet on your street via fibre cables, then uses telephone lines from there to your property
- Full fibre - Unlike FTTC, this uses fibre cables to connect from the street cabinet to your home, too
- Mobile broadband - Uses the 4G or 5G network to get online, rather than cables
- Satellite broadband - You’ll need a receiver and a dish installed at your property to use this type of connection
The installation process will vary depending on which type of broadband you choose. And you’ll almost certainly find that one is more suitable for your home.
You might prefer to switch to a broadband type that can be connected easily and with minimal disruption.
Bonuses and free gifts
Some broadband providers offer extra incentives for switching, like free gifts or customer reward schemes.
Depending on the deal you choose, you might also get discounted TV channels , vouchers and even gadgets.
Just make sure you’re not getting blindsided by freebies, especially at the expense of your overall contract price.
Other things to bear in mind when switching broadband provider include:
- Customer service and technical support - Check out both customer and independent reviews before committing to any contract
- Price vs service - Cheap internet providers are not necessarily for everyone. And it might be worth spending a little extra to get the broadband package that’s right for your needs
Contract length
Typical broadband contract lengths are 12, 18 and 24 months. There are monthly contracts available, too.
A shorter contract might suit you better if you’re renting or if you live in student accommodation
Additional charges
When switching broadband providers, there are charges that need to be factored into your budget. Read the terms and conditions carefully to find out what they are.
Data usage
Whether a capped package will save you money depends on the type of broadband user you are. If you regularly stream movies and play games, unlimited broadband is likely to be cheaper.
Can I cancel my broadband contract?
If your original contract has expired and you haven’t signed up to a new one, you should be able to switch right away. But it’s a bit more complicated if your contract is still active.
To escape without a hefty exit fee, you’ll need to be outside of the contract’s minimum term.
This is the time period during which you’re locked into the contract with your existing supplier. It normally kicks in once your cooling-off period expires. To check if you’re within this period, it’s best to call your existing internet provider.
Read our guide to broadband cancellation rights for more tips.
What about early termination charges and cooling-off periods?
All broadband deals will have a 14-day cooling-off period. This starts from when you buy it. During this time, you can cancel your new broadband contract without having to pay any fees. You’ll need to return any equipment you’ve been supplied with, such as routers.
You’ll also be issued with a full refund for payments you’ve already made, apart from any non-refundable charges.
If you want to switch your broadband provider after the cooling-off period, you’ll be charged an exit fee while you’re still within the minimum contract term.
The amount you’re charged will depend on the provider and the deal you’re on. It’s likely that you’ll need to pay a percentage of the remaining months left on your contract. This could be as high as 80%. You might also need to pay back any discounts you received.
You can only escape the minimum term without facing a penalty if the service you’re receiving is below the standards set out in the contract. For example, if your provider is not giving you the broadband speed it promised it would. Or if there were unexpected price rises that weren’t detailed in the terms and conditions.
It’s vital that you weigh up any exit fees and charges against what you would save if you switched providers during your minimum contract term.
You might be able to find a provider that will pay towards any exit fees you face for leaving your existing contract when you switch to them.
How much does it cost to switch broadband?
It will depend on a few different things. Check the terms and conditions of your current broadband provider and the one you want to switch to for:
- Cancellation fees - For switching during the minimum contract term
- Connection or set-up fees - Some broadband providers charge a connection fee
- Equipment fee - You could be charged for your router or any required Wi-Fi boosters
- Mid-contract price rises - Many providers increase their prices for existing customers each year. Be sure to check the small print before signing up so you know if your monthly bill will go up before the end of your contract
Always check the first-year costs, which is the full amount you’ll pay over the first year, taking into account any introductory offers, discounts or charges.
What actually happens when you change broadband provider?
It will depend on which provider you’re currently with and who you’re switching to.
If they’re both on the Openreach network, a configuration change will be made at your local internet exchange or street cabinet by your new provider. This will effectively switch you to your new broadband provider when you plug in the router and the account is activated.
You might need to have a new cable from your street cabinet to your home if you’re switching to a provider that doesn’t use the same network as your current one. Again, you’ll need to plug in the router and wait for the activation date before you can use the internet.
Why switch broadband with Go.Compare?
We can help you find some of the best broadband deals.
You can compare:
- Top UK broadband offers and deals in a couple of minutes
- Over 25 broadband providers[1]
- Different types of connections, including full fibre and FTTC options
- Monthly costs, as well as any upfront charges
- Broadband bundled with TV packages and home phone
FAQs
When is the best time to switch broadband?
The best time to compare broadband deals is when your minimum contract term is coming to an end. If you wait until your contract has expired, your monthly costs could increase drastically if you’re put on your current provider’s rolling contract.
Choose an activation date for your new broadband that starts when your minimum contract ends to avoid paying any cancellation fees.
Will I lose service during the switch?
If you’re using One Touch Switch, any interruption to your broadband service should be no longer than one day. You could be entitled to compensation for disruption that lasts longer than this.
Your new broadband provider should notify you if it’s likely that you’ll experience a loss of service while connecting your home to the network.
Do I have to change my router when I change provider?
Yes, you’ll receive a new router when you change provider. The type you get will depend on the deal you’ve switched to.
You might need to pay a fee for your new router and its delivery. Check the terms and conditions to make sure.
Do I need to cancel old broadband before switching?
It depends on your current provider and the one you’re switching to. If they both use One Touch Switch, you won’t need to cancel your old broadband contract. Your new provider will sort everything out.
However, if they’re not part of the service, then you’ll need to contact your current broadband provider and cancel your contract. Failing to do this will mean that the contract will continue to run and you’ll still be charged, while also paying for your new deal. So make sure you check to avoid being out of pocket.
Can you have two broadband providers for one property?
It’s possible to have two separate broadband providers at your property.
For example, if you have a fibre and mobile broadband connection at your home.
This could be useful if a lot of people live at your address who regularly use the internet for streaming and gaming.
You won’t be able to have two providers that use the same connection simultaneously, though. Like two fibre broadband packages that use the Openreach network running concurrently, for example.
Can I keep my landline phone number and email if I switch?
Let's take a look at whether it’s possible to keep your:
Landline number
Yes, it’s possible to port your existing landline number when you switch. Contact your new provider to say that this is what you want to do and they’ll let you know if it’s possible.
If you’re moving home and switching broadband provider at the same time, it might not be possible to port your number.
Email address
Some broadband suppliers will provide you with an email address when you switch to them. It can be possible to keep it, even if you move to another provider, but it depends.
Some will let you keep the email address for free, while others will charge you for a basic email address account.
Providers including Virgin Media and Plusnet will cancel your email account when you leave them.
Page last updated: 11 September 2025
[1] As of 11th March 2026, there are active broadband providers on the panel at Go.Compare