Switching Broadband Providers

Before you switch broadband

The world of broadband is expending and evolving all the time, and within a year your initial broadband deal could be dated, but without keeping in touch with your broadband provider, you can’t expect to know their latest deals and offers. You may not need to switch your broadband provider, because one phone call could be the key to a better deal.

Give yourself a little grounding in the current broadband deals by using comparison website Broadband Finder to compare broadband deals; providers will want to keep your custom, and when you tell them that you are thinking of switching broadband provider, they will work to keep you. Your custom is valuable to them, and they will try to reward loyalty.

Do not feel obliged to stick with your current broadband provider, because the most important thing is your own customer satisfaction. You pay for the service, so it’s only right that you get the best deal, at a price that suits you. Once you have had a look at some of the deals out there, make the call to your provider and tell them what you want, and even throw a few prices at them to show you have done your research.

They will almost certainly offer you something better than your current deal, simply to make you stay, but if you still aren’t happy, then it’s best to make the switch.

Switching made simple

One vital aspect of switching broadband provider is your own contractual obligations. If you have entered into an agreement, you will be expected to honour it and any break of that agreement will most likely be met with a hefty charge. If your provider charges you for switching early, they must notify you of this, so you won't be caught with a hidden charge. Each provider varies, and if you happen to have one that will release you from the agreement without question then you are in luck, but this is a rarity. If you have a minimum term with one provider, then it is usually best to stick with it until you are free to switch.

It’s also a good idea to check the terms of the agreement yourself to see if any breach has taken place that favours your case for an early release from the contract. If you feel aspects of the service have not reflected the original terms and conditions, then you may be able to get out early without any penalty.

Your current provider will have some kind of sales retention team that will work to keep you, but if you have made up your mind then stick with it. If you have found the right deal elsewhere, then you should be assertive and push on with the switch. If your dissatisfaction is related to the actual service from the provider, or the speed of your connection, then you should certainly be looking elsewhere for stark improvements.

Migrating broadband type

You may be switching from ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) to cable fibre, or vice versa. This is a change of broadband type, but should not cause any problems or significant delays. If you are moving to ADSL then you will need a landline, supplied by Sky or BT, and you will also need a modem that is ADSL compatible. Check with your new provider for any further details regarding technical requirements.

If you are moving to a provider that has its own cables, then you must inform both your previous provider and the one you want to switch to in order to coordinate the switch. This is becuase proividers such as Virgin Media and BT Infinity install thier own cables rather than tap from existing ones, meaning the service needs to be physically installed rather than just switched over.

Check with your new provider for an indication of the time it will take for your new broadband to be installed, but this should be between 6 to 10 days, and in some cases up to 2 weeks. Don’t forget to shop around for the best deals, so compare broadband speeds and services before you make your decision.