How to switch broadband providers

13 February 2024
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Home » All about Ogi » News » How to switch broadband providers

Updated 11 August 2026

Switching broadband provider is now much simpler. In most cases, you only need to contact the provider you want to join. Through One Touch Switch, your new provider can arrange the move and the cancellation of your old broadband service for you.

No awkward cancellation call. No being passed between two providers. Just choose your new broadband, check the details and agree a switching date.

Here is how it works and what you should check before getting started.

How do I switch broadband provider?

For most people, switching broadband takes five steps:

  1. Check whether you are still in contract
  2. Compare broadband packages
  3. Check which services are available at your address
  4. Place your order with your new provider
  5. Review the switching information and approve the switch

Your new provider will then work with your current provider to arrange the change.

If you are switching at the same address, you should not usually need to cancel your old broadband yourself. Doing so could leave you without a connection or affect the transfer of your landline number.

  1. Check your current broadband contract

Before choosing a new deal, find out whether your minimum contract has ended.

You can usually find the end date on your latest bill, in your online account or by contacting your current provider. Providers must also tell you when your contract is coming to an end.

You can switch while you are still in contract, but you may have to pay an early termination charge. Under One Touch Switch, your current provider will send you details of any charges before you confirm the move.

It is worth checking:

  • When your minimum contract ends
  • Whether an early termination charge applies
  • What equipment needs to be returned
  • Whether other services are included in your package

If your broadband is bundled with TV, mobile or another service, switching broadband may affect the price or availability of the rest of your package.

Man discussing how to switch broadband providers in the UK

  1. Decide what you need from your new broadband

Price matters, but it is not the only thing worth comparing.

Think about why you want to leave your current provider. Is the connection too slow? Does the wifi struggle in parts of your home? Has the price gone up? Or would you simply prefer better customer service?

When comparing broadband packages, look at:

  • The expected download and upload speeds
  • The monthly price and any increases during the contract
  • The minimum contract length
  • Installation, activation or delivery charges
  • The router and wifi equipment included
  • Customer reviews and support options
  • Any charges for leaving early
  • Whether a landline or digital voice service is available

Do not automatically choose the fastest package. The right speed depends on how many people and devices use your connection, and what they use it for.

  1. Check what is available at your address

Broadband availability can vary from one street to the next, so start with a postcode check.

If you are considering Ogi, our postcode checker will show whether our full fibre broadband is available at your home and which packages you can order.

Full fibre broadband uses fibre-optic cable all the way to your property. This is different from older part-fibre connections that still rely on copper cable for the final stretch.

Check whether you can get Ogi broadband

  1. Order from your new provider

Once you have chosen a package, place the order with your new provider.

If you use One Touch Switch, you will be asked for a few details so your new and existing providers can match your account. These may include:

  • The name of your current provider
  • The name and address on your account
  • Your current account number
  • The services you want to switch
  • Your landline number, if you have one

You can usually find this information on a recent bill. Enter the details exactly as they appear on your current account, including the spelling of the account holder’s name.

Your existing provider will then send you information about your current contract, any early termination charges and what will happen to other services you have with them.

Nothing goes ahead until you agree to the switch.

  1. Agree your switching and installation dates

Your new provider will arrange a switching date with you where possible.

If your new broadband uses a different network, an engineer may need to install a new fibre connection at your home. Your provider should explain what work is required and whether someone needs to be at the property.

The installation appointment and the switching date need to be coordinated carefully. Your old broadband service should not end until the new service is working.

Once the switch is complete, your old provider will send your final bill. You should not be charged for a notice period after the switching date.

What is One Touch Switch?

One Touch Switch is the UK-wide process for changing broadband or landline provider. It launched in September 2024 and is designed to make switching simpler.

For most switches at the same address, you contact the new provider and they arrange the move with your existing provider.

Your current provider will still send you the information you need before you decide, including:

  • Any early termination charges
  • Details of services that will be affected
  • Your final account information
  • Any equipment you need to return

You can then check the details before agreeing to go ahead.

Find out more about switching to Ogi with One Touch Switch.

How long does switching broadband take?

The time needed to switch depends on the provider, the type of connection and whether an engineer visit is required.

A straightforward transfer may be completed relatively quickly. A new full fibre installation can take longer because the provider may need to bring a fibre cable into the property and fit new equipment.

Your new provider should confirm the expected timescale before you complete your order.

Will I lose my broadband during the switch?

Providers must take reasonable steps to avoid a loss of service. Under Ofcom’s rules, any loss of service during a One Touch Switch should not last longer than one working day.

If the switch is delayed, an appointment is missed or you are left without service for more than one working day, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you choose to cancel your old service yourself instead of using One Touch Switch, these switching protections may not apply.

Can I keep my landline number?

You can usually ask to keep your existing landline number when switching at the same address, but you need to tell your new provider when you order.

Do not cancel your old phone service before the number has been transferred. Cancelling it too early could mean losing the number.

If you are joining Ogi and want to keep your number, let us know as part of your order and we will check whether it can be transferred.

What happens to my email address?

If your email address belongs to your current broadband provider, check what will happen to it before switching.

Some providers allow you to keep the address, sometimes for a fee. Others may close it once you leave.

If you need to move to a different email address, give yourself time to update important accounts such as banking, household bills, shopping accounts and password recovery details.

Can I switch broadband if I am moving house?

One Touch Switch is intended for people changing provider at the same address. It does not apply in the same way when you move home.

If you are moving, check what is available at your new address and speak to your current provider about closing or transferring your existing service.

You may also need to plan for a short gap between moving in and having the new connection installed.

Can I change my mind after ordering?

When you buy broadband online or over the phone, you will usually have a 14-day cooling-off period.

If you decide not to go ahead, contact your new provider as soon as possible. If the service has already started, you may still have to pay for the service used and certain installation costs.

Cancelling the new order does not necessarily reinstate your old broadband automatically, so check with both providers before making changes.

Is it worth switching broadband provider?

It is worth comparing your options if:

  • Your minimum contract has ended
  • Your monthly price has increased
  • Your connection no longer meets your needs
  • Your wifi is unreliable around the home
  • Faster full fibre broadband is now available
  • You are unhappy with the support you receive

Even if you decide to stay where you are, checking the market will give you a clearer idea of what your current package is worth.

Ready to switch to Ogi?

Switching to Ogi can be done online through One Touch Switch. Check your postcode, choose your package and give us your current provider’s details. We will take it from there.

Check your postcode

Prefer to talk it through first? Get in touch with our local team and we will help you find the right package.

 

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