Switching home broadband in the UK: a quick checklist

1. Check full-fibre availability at your address

Coverage still varies street by street. Before you compare prices, run each provider’s availability checker with your full address or postcode. “Fibre” marketing can mean different things: full fibre (fibre to the premises) is not the same as part-fibre / fibre-to-the-cabinet lines. Ask what download and upload speeds are typical for your property, and whether an engineer visit is needed.

Ofcom also publishes guidance on choosing the right broadband — useful when you are weighing speed against monthly cost.

2. Know your end-of-contract date and mid-contract rises

Log into your current provider’s app or account page and note:

• Whether you are in or out of contract
• Any early termination (exit) charges if you leave early
• Whether the monthly price can rise during the contract, and by what rule
• Any end-of-contract email or notification you were sent

Switching just after a contract ends often avoids exit fees. If you are still in contract, some new providers may offer credit towards exit charges — ask them in writing before you commit. Always compare the total cost over the whole term, not only the first-month headline.

3. Use Ofcom’s One Touch Switch process

For most residential broadband and landline switches in the UK, Ofcom’s One Touch Switch process means you only need to contact the provider you want to join. They manage the switch with your old provider.

In outline:

1. Sign up with the new provider and give your address, current provider and the services you want.
2. Your current provider sends you information about the switch, including any charges — read it carefully before you confirm.
3. Once the new service is working, the old service should stop automatically. You should not be charged for a notice period after the switchover date.

Any loss of service during a switch should not last longer than one working day. Providers in Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme must compensate you in certain cases, such as being left without service for more than one working day or a missed installation appointment. Details are on Ofcom’s site and can change, so check the latest guidance if something goes wrong.

If your broadband is bundled with landline or TV, ask both providers what happens to the other services. Provider-supplied email addresses may not transfer — set up an alternative email before you switch if you rely on one.

You usually have 14 calendar days to cancel a new order placed online, on the doorstep or by phone. Contact the new provider if you change your mind; your old service is not reinstated automatically.

4. Plan the router and Wi-Fi cutover

Expect a new router. On switch day:

• Follow the new provider’s setup steps (often a quick start card or app).
• Update Wi-Fi settings on phones, tablets, TVs and smart speakers — many routers include a QR code to join the new network.
• Alternatively, some routers let you reuse your old Wi-Fi name and password so devices reconnect automatically; use a strong password if you do this.
• Return the old provider’s equipment by the deadline to avoid charges.

5. Prove the speed after install

Wait until the line has settled, then run a few speed tests on a wired connection if you can, or close to the router on Wi-Fi. Use a trusted tester (for example your provider’s tool or a well-known public speed test) at different times of day. Compare results to the speeds you were sold. If they are consistently far below, contact the new provider while you are still within any guarantee or cooling-off window.

Printable checklist

• Availability checked at your exact address (full fibre vs part fibre clear)
• Out-of-contract date and any exit fees noted
• Whole-contract cost and mid-contract price rise rules compared
• One Touch Switch started with the new provider only
• Old email / TV / landline implications checked
• Router setup plan and equipment returns diary booked
• Post-install speed tests saved as evidence

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