Over 99% of households in the UK have access to decent broadband. But with several trusted companies offering competitive broadband deals, switching providers is common.
Are you planning to make the change? Maybe your contract is coming to an end. Perhaps you’re unhappy with your network speeds. Whatever your reasons, moving to a new provider is easier than ever since Ofcom introduced One Touch Switch in 2024.
But despite the streamlined nature of switching broadband services, you may still overlook important factors. Preparing for the changeover and any possible issues will help you enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Cancellation Fees
Has your contract with your current provider ended? You’re free to switch to a new service without paying cancellation fees.
But if your contract is still active, your provider is likely to charge an early termination charge. The cost may be the amount you pay each month multiplied by the number of months still on the contract.
However, you might avoid a cancellation charge if your speeds have consistently remained below the minimum promised. Check your contract and speak to your provider to see where you stand.
Returning Wi-Fi Equipment
Many broadband providers in the UK will ask you to return your router and other Wi-Fi equipment after you switch. Worse still, you typically need to send the items within a month or two.
If you don’t return the equipment on time, the provider will charge you a fee. Non-return costs for broadband routers vary depending on the company and item. Sky, for instance, charges up to £112 for the non-return of a Sky Gigafast + Hub.
New Provider Reputation
If you want to take advantage of a massively competitive deal, always check the provider’s reputation before you switch. Abandoning your current contract to save money may be less exciting if your new provider is problematic.
Read customer reviews to find out whether a service is worth your time and money. Even the companies ranked best overall will have some negative feedback. But if you see enough poor reviews to concern you, look at other options.
Switchover Delays
In rare cases, your switchover could be delayed. You may need to use public Wi-Fi networks in the meantime, especially if you work from home.
But free Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops and libraries tend to be unsecured. If you connect to one on your laptop or phone, you could expose yourself to certain threats. Hackers can view and steal your data, for example, or infect your laptop with malware.
Installing reliable antivirus software will help you stay safe on public Wi-Fi, as will a virtual private network (VPN). Setting up a VPN connection will encrypt your data to keep it private from other users on the network.
Ongoing Charges from Your Past Provider
In some cases, your old provider may continue to charge you after you switch to a new service.
There are several potential reasons for an ongoing charge. One is an administrative mistake that causes your cancellation to remain unprocessed. Another is that you’re still in the minimum term for your contract and need to pay an early termination fee.
To avoid unexpected charges from your old broadband provider, check your contract carefully before switching.
Your new provider should notify your old one of the switchover, but you may want to confirm they know anyway. Otherwise, you could end up paying for Wi-Fi you no longer use. Fortunately, you might be able to claim a refund for payments taken in error.
Potential Setup Issues
Ideally, your broadband switchover will go smoothly. But be prepared for small delays or mistakes.
Even leading providers may encounter issues when setting you up. Low connection speeds and faulty routers are just two of the possible complications.
The best providers will have a plan in place for any hitches that affect new customers. Support agents should be able to help you and resolve the situation efficiently.
But take note of the customer support details and don’t hesitate to reach out if you experience subpar service. And if you need internet access, ensure you can get online outside the home in case of setup delays.
Preparing to Switch Broadband Providers
The UK is home to multiple reputable broadband providers, each with its own packages. Choosing the right deal for you can be difficult, especially if you’ve been with your current provider for years.
But if now’s the time to switch, consider the six points discussed above before you disconnect. Weigh up your options, check reviews, and plan other ways to get online if your switchover is delayed.
