How to switch broadband provider

Finding the right broadband provider can improve your service and help ensure you're not overpaying – 71% of switchers in a recent Which? survey told us that they found changing provider easy to do, and 72% ended up with cheaper packages as a result. 

If you're just getting started, Which? can help – our comparison service will help you find the best deals in your area, and simplify the process. Switching isn't only a way of saving money – it can also help you access faster speeds and more reliable connections. 

Read on to find out more about the process, or check our reviews for help with choosing a new broadband provider.

• Discover the best and worst broadband providers from our regular survey.
• Or enter your postcode below to see how much you could save by switching. We clearly indicate on each deal if a price is likely to go up in the future.

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Use Which? to search for faster, more reliable broadband services.

Members who switch before 20 April will get an Amazon.co.uk gift card up to £100.

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Offer ends 20 April, T&Cs apply

Step 1: Check you can leave your current provider

Before starting any broadband switching process, check your current contract and make sure you've completed the minimum term. If you're unsure, then give your provider a call to check because if you're still under contract, you could be hit with a heavy cancellation fee for leaving early.

If you're outside your minimum contract period, your broadband provider will be keen to keep your custom and may even offer you a cheaper broadband deal or another incentive to stay. 

Read our guide on how to haggle for the best broadband deal to make sure you get the best offer possible.

Step 2: Choose a new broadband deal

Use our broadband comparison service to check which providers offer broadband where you live, compare available offers, and see whether providers are likely to hike prices mid-contract. It's a quick and straightforward way to find the best broadband deal for you. Follow these steps:

• Start by entering your postcode to compare the deals that are available for your home.
• Use the filters to choose a broadband package that offers the minimum speed and data allowance you want. You can also choose a line-rental deal offering the inclusive calls you need – for example, free evening and weekend calls. 
• Choose a contract length that suits you – 18-month contracts are common, but some providers offer 12 or 24-month contracts. Shorter contracts may offer more flexibility, while longer contracts tend to be cheaper.
• Our provider ratings are shown for each company – these reflect the feedback we've received from thousands of customers. Read how we assess broadband providers for more information on our scores.
• Click 'More details' on each deal for extra information about the features included, any special offers available and a breakdown of costs.
• When you've found the best broadband deal for you, click 'Visit now' to head to the deal on the provider's site and sign up.

If you're tempted to get television and broadband from the same supplier, find out which are the best TV and broadband providers first.

Once you've got a deal in mind, make sure you have all the details on exactly what you'll be signing up for – and for how long. Ask for a speed estimate for your address, if this hasn't been provided, and check for any connection or router charges, as well as the total monthly cost.

Step 3: Contact your chosen new provider

If you're switching between providers who use the Openreach telecoms network – such as BT, EE, Sky and TalkTalk – then your new provider will arrange the transfer for you. They'll let your old provider know that you want to move and you'll then be sent notification letters (from your old and new providers) confirming what's happening, as well as when the transfer should take place and any early termination charges you'll have to pay. 

Our guide on how to contact your broadband provider includes customer service numbers for the biggest providers.

Step 4: Contact your existing provider (if required)

If you're switching to or from a separate network, such as the ones used by Virgin Media or Hyperoptic, you'll currently need to stop your service with your existing provider and start a new one with a new provider (sometimes known as 'cease and re-provide').

This means contacting both your current provider to cancel your contract and your new provider to arrange your new broadband service. You'll then receive notification from the provider you are leaving that your contract is ending (and notification of any charges associated with this), and will be given a new contract from your new provider telling you when your contract is due to start.

However, this process is set to change by September of this year. New rules from Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, mean you'll only ever have to contact one provider (the one you plan to switch to), regardless of whether they use the same network or not. The process will also be faster, taking as little as a day, and providers will have to compensate you if something goes wrong and you're left without service for more than one working day.