How to Switch Broadband Providers in 2025

July 4th, 2025
How to Switch Broadband Providers in 2025

Why are more households switching broadband providers?

Over 3 million people in the UK changed their home broadband last year. Many switched to get cheap broadband deals and saved between £80 and £120 each year. If you feel like the broadband you have now is not as good as it once was, try looking at different prices. You might find a new deal. A new deal can give you lower costs and better internet speed. You can still get a plan that works for the way you use the web. If you want cheap broadband, it helps to compare what is out there.

In recent years, one of the main things UK households do is switch providers. This helps them save money and get a better deal. There are now more fibre broadband rollouts, and broadband packages cost less. Because of these changes, people now get real choice to pick the internet speed, reliability, and monthly price that work best for them.

The UK now has an average broadband speed of 157 Mbps. This is up from 110 Mbps in 2023. At the same time, monthly bills have gone up to about £26 a month. Some of this rise is because of price increases built into older deals. If your contract end date is near, you might get more if you move to a new contract. With a new contract, you could pay less and also get faster speeds for your broadband.

James Ford Broadband Deals Reviewed by James Ford, TV and Broadband Expert

5G Home Broadband

  • New customers only
  • Plug and play
150Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
24 Month contract
Pay as you goCalls
£19.00per month

500Mbps Fibre Broadband

  • New customers only
550Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
24 Month contract
Pay as you goCalls
£20.00per month

500Mbps Fibre Broadband - 12 months

  • New customers only
550Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
12 Month contract
Pay as you goCalls
£29.00per month

What is the One Touch Switch and how does it help?

Introduced in September 2024, One Touch Switch is the UK’s official new industry process for broadband switching. The goal is to make the switching process easier and faster. This new touch switch also helps people see the steps more clearly and understand the process better.

The form saves your chosen installation date. This way, you always get your upgraded broadband connection when you want it and do not have to wait longer than needed. Your current provider gets told right away, so you will not be double billed or lose your service too soon.

What does the new switching process do?

  • You can use this on many broadband networks.
  • You can switch in just one day.
  • It helps stop any loss of service.
  • You do not have to call your old provider.

You just need to pick the right deal. Then, type your postcode. After that, give your email address and your current account number. Your new provider will then take care of the rest. You will not have to make any difficult cancellation calls or worry about services crossing over.

What are the different types of broadband?

When you look at deals, you need to know the types of broadband that are in your area.

Many families still use superfast broadband packages (30–70 Mbps). These plans balance cost and what you get. They are a good option if you mostly stream in HD or browse the web. For many people, superfast broadband is enough and works well for daily use.

Type of Broadband Average Speed Best Use Notes
Full Fibre Broadband 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps Gamers, streamers, work-from-home Fastest and most reliable
Virgin Media Broadband 132 Mbps – 1.1 Gbps Large homes, TV service users Includes options with Sky Sports
FTTC (Superfast) 36 – 70 Mbps General browsing, small homes Widespread but uses copper lines
5G / Mobile Broadband 70 – 600 Mbps Renters, students Self-install, no landline needed
Fixed Wireless (FWA) 30 – 150 Mbps Rural areas A great option for hard-to-reach zones

Checking something with a postcode checker is one of the main things you need to do before you choose any broadband package.

How to find the right deal for your needs

Use a postcode checker

The right deal for you can change based on where you live. It also depends on how you use it. If you are getting a new contract or if your old contract is ending, this matters too. A postcode checker can help with this.

  • You can filter by internet speed, how long the contract is, and the monthly price.
  • You will only see relevant deals for new customers.
  • You can also compare setup cost, rewards such as a BT Reward Card, or any bill credit.

Read expert reviews and compare extras

Independent expert reviews can point out companies that give good customer service and offer value for your money. The, watch out for price rises that can come after 12 or 18 months. Be sure to also check:

  • The minimum term tells you how long you need to keep the contract. If you want to leave before that time, you might have to pay a fee. It is good to know this before you sign up.
  • The router quality is important for a good internet connection. You should check if the company gives out good routers and how they send them to you.
  • Some companies offer bundles that include phone deals or tv service. They may give you upgrades on tv service or better phone deals if you choose a bundle.

You can often see what real people say about products on forums or on social media. This feedback can help you know how well something works before you buy it.

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Typical switching timeline

Stage Action Details
Day 0 Run a postcode checker Find the right deal and speed tier
Day 1 Order new broadband deal Share email address and pick install date
Day 1 Start of One Touch Switch Your new provider contacts your old provider
Day 3–14 Receive router and prepare Plug in or wait for engineer
Day 14 New service live Internet connection goes live, no downtime
Day 15+ Return old equipment Avoid fees from old contract

What if I’m moving to a new house?

Moving to a new address? Here are your options:

  1. You can move your current contract to the new place. Be sure to check if there are any fees for moving it.
  2. You can also stop your old contract and sign up as a new customer. This way, you might get a better deal. It can often be cheaper, too.

Note: If your old provider does not offer service at your new address, you will not need to pay an early exit fee.

Can I keep my email and home phone?

Yes, but you need to request it.

  • For your home phone, many ISPs let you move your number to their service.
  • For email accounts, some companies like BT may ask you to pay after 90 days. Use a free provider like Gmail so you do not have to pay fees later.

Always check these things when you say yes to your new contract.

Example broadband packages for new customers

Provider Type Download Speed Monthly Price Setup Cost Term
Community Fibre FTTP 35 Mbps £12.50 £0 12 mo
Vodafone Full Fibre FTTP 150 Mbps £25.00 £0 24 mo
Virgin Media M125 Cable 132 Mbps £25.99 £0 18 mo
Sky Superfast 35 FTTC 36 Mbps £24.00 £0 18 mo
Three 5G Home Mobile ~150 Mbps £19.00 £0 1 mo

All deals are up and running as of June 2025. Each one comes with a router.

These offers show that you can still get truly cheap broadband and not lose out on a good, steady connection. The best way is to switch at the end of your old contract and use any voucher deals while they last.

What if my internet speed is slower than expected?

If you see that your internet speed is slower than what was promised, your provider has to let you leave within 30 days with no extra charges. Make sure to test your speed when many people use the internet. Write down the results if you are not happy with the speed.

Am I protected from hidden price rises?

Yes. From January 2025, all new contracts have to show price increases as set amounts. They can not just show vague inflation numbers. This means you will know exactly what the price increases will be during the term of your contract.

Can social tariffs help with affordability?

If you get Universal Credit, you might be able to have a social broadband plan. These plans cost less, are easy to change, and do not have extra penalty charges.

Provider Plan Name Speed Monthly Price
BT Home Essentials 67 Mbps £20.00
Virgin Media Essential 15 Mbps £12.50
Sky Basics 36 Mbps £20.00

A great option for homes that want to spend less on their monthly bills and still keep a steady broadband service.

Can social tariffs help with affordability

Correct as of 18 June 2025

FAQs about switching broadband providers

How long does it take to switch broadband?

With the new industry process, most people will get their switch done in about 10 to 14 days. But if you stay on the same network, then the move can be over in only one or two days.

Will I lose service when switching?

No. The One Touch Switch makes sure that there is no loss of service when you move between providers.

Can I cancel early if I’m still under contract?

You can do it, but you might have to pay early exit fees. This can happen unless your contract end date is less than 30 days away or your old provider does not give service at your new address.

What if my broadband speed is too slow?

If the internet speed you get is less than what was promised to you, the rules from Ofcom say you can cancel your broadband contract. You have to do this within 30 days.

Can I switch and still get Sky Sports?

Yes. Many Virgin Media broadband deals come with Sky Sports as part of the TV service package. With Virgin Media, you can get a TV service that includes Sky Sports when you choose certain broadband options. This means you get both internet and Sky Sports in one package.

Also Read Related Articles

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Compare Now
4000+ reviews