While switching broadband providers might seem like an intimidating process, it’s actually quite simple, with your new and old providers usually doing the vast majority of work for you. One of the questions that often comes up surrounding switching providers is whether or not broadband needs to be cancelled before switching. We’re here to answer that exact query – “Do I need to cancel my broadband before switching?”
Do I need to cancel my broadband before switching?
You can switch your broadband provider whenever you wish. If you’re still within your contract then you’ll probably have to pay an early-exit fee. This could be quite expensive, so be sure to factor it in if relevant.
In terms of cancellation, your new provider will usually let your old provider know that you’re switching broadband providers, meaning they’ll carry out the cancellation of broadband for you.
Be sure to ask this question when switching providers though, as they won’t always do it for you. If your new provider doesn’t inform your old provider, then you’ll need to make this call yourself (to the customer service team of your old provider). We’d recommend scheduling your cancellation a little after the new service begins, so you aren’t left without internet at any point.
Switching broadband provider
To switch broadband providers, the first thing you should do is find the deal that’s right for you. You can use a site like Go Compare to find all the best broadband packages nearby. All you need to do is enter your postcode, apply any relevant filters and navigate through the list of options.
Once you’ve found the perfect broadband deal, your new provider should then arrange the switch for you, including letting your current provider know that you’re moving. Both your new and old providers will then contact you to confirm the move and transfer date, along with any outstanding charges that need paying.
Check out our guide on how to change broadband providers for more information.
Cancelling and switching broadband FAQs
Can you keep the same landline phone number when you switch providers?
Just like when you transfer your mobile phone number when switching contracts, your current home broadband provider should also allow you to keep your number, as per Ofcom regulations.
New providers don’t actually have to accept any requests to transfer landline phone numbers, but it’s definitely in their best interest to do so. You should make this request to your new provider when the switch is being arranged.
Can you keep the same email address when you switch providers?
While most people use free email services like Gmail and Yahoo, some households instead choose to access their broadband provider’s email. If this is the case, then whether or not you can hang on to this email address entirely depends on your provider. Some will leave email accounts alone, whereas others will charge you to keep this email. Others will delete your email when you leave.
If they intend to delete your email then you’ll usually be given a period of time to save what’s important before you lose your account.
Before switching broadband providers, we’d recommend double-checking this point if it applies to you.
How long does it take to switch internet providers?
Switching internet providers will usually take around two weeks. If you require any physical installation work to be performed then it might take a little longer. This doesn’t mean you’ll be without internet for the whole two weeks though – this downtime should only last a few minutes when the change-over takes place.
Will I lose service during the switch?
Again, your broadband won’t be down while you’re waiting to be connected to a new service. Your internet will only be down while the switch actually takes place – around 30 minutes or so. If this new connection requires an engineer visit, then it may take a little longer while they install it for you.
For example, when being transferred from one broadband type to another – such as upgrading from a copper ADSL connection to Virgin’s cable broadband – your downtime might be a couple of hours.
Switching and cancelling broadband with Resooma
If you’re with Resooma Bills, then we can extend your broadband contract on a monthly basis. As a Resooma customer, we handle broadband cancellations at the end of your tenancy. If you wish to continue with the same broadband provider then we can take care of this as well.
When signed up to Virgin Media through Resooma, you don’t need to return your router at the end of your tenancy either. The whole process couldn’t be easier for you!
Already sorted your house but need to set up bills? We can help with this too – we set up and split utilities for you. Get a free quote for your utilities here.