Switch your broadband provider! It's not that hard!
The first question you need to know is what type of broadband you are using and which type who are going to switch to?
As we have mentioned in broadband introduction, there is another type of broadband - Cable. If you are switching between cable and ADSL, it will be a little more complex.
If you are going to switch between two
providers both provide ADSL, jump over this section to "Switching
between ADSL providers".
Switching between cable and ADSL
Broadband by cable which is offered by NTL or Telewest, applies
a totally different technology with ADSL. So if you plan to switch
from one to another, you have to cancel one, and then subscribe
to another.
When you cancel your ADSL connection, ask for a termination date so that you avoid too much overlap.
If you want to avoid losing your connection even for a few hours, then just time it so that your ADSL and cable services overlap - that way you can make sure that the new service is working before making the final switch.
However, if you are switching to ADSL, you have to make sure you have a BT telephone line. If you don't have one, you need to install the telephone line before you install the ADSL broadband. To install telephone line, just contact BT.
If you are switching between two cable broadband providers, contact
them to ask the switching process.
Switching between ADSL providers
Most broadband services now are ADSL. So, most of the time you are
switching from one ADSL provider to another. If you are switching
between ADSL providers, the process will be easier.
First, you should find the terms and conditions of your current provider, and check cancellation policy and charges. We don't encourage you to switch to another provider if you are still in a contract with your current provider. If you are still in a 12-month or 18-month contract, the cancellation fee may be very high! Many provider will ask you to clear the money for the rest of the contract. (However, if you are in a 30 day trial offered by some providers, it doesn't matter. *) So if you really want to cancel the contract you are still in, especially in the early stage of the contract, we suggest you calculate how much you have to pay and decide if it's worth for you to do so.
If you make the decision to switch, then you can come back here,
to search and compare the providers and deal on our web site. Compare
the price, speed, monthly usage and other information such installation
all devices the providers offer. The rank and reviews other users
leave are helpful for you to know how good the service of the provider
is. Then, make a decision! Decide which provider and deal you would
like to join. Once you've decided, what you need to do is:
2. Order your new broadband. Your MAC code is the essential information you need to tell your new broadband provider. You may also asked who your last broadband provider was. Many providers offer online application. That will be much convenient. With the MAC code, the process of applying online will be very easy.
3. If you make the preparation for switching early and leave enough time before your existing broadband ends, your new broadband provider will have time to do the work for your switch. Then, the switchover process will be seamless. If you make the switch when your last contract ends, be patient to wait for several days for the new broadband provider to finish the switching work.
Figure 1: The process of switching broadband
from one ADSL provider to another.
Though the broadband switching process is almost the same for
all provider. The process of switching may slightly differs from
provider to provider. If you have any questions, just call your
new provider, they will be willing to help you, as you are their
new customer! And surely, their answer should be very helpful!
* Some broadband providers like Orange and Talktalk offer broadband
service with a 30 day trial. Once the broadband has gone live, if
you're not satisfied with the broadband, you can cancel the service
within 30 days and you won't pay for the disconnection fee. (charges
for the call plan and the line rental for the first month, and modem
supplied prior to disconnection still apply)
Table 1: The telephone number of broadband
providers in UK for switching broadband.
| Provider | Number | Notes |
| AAISP | 01344 400 999 | |
| AOL | 0870 320 2020 | Option 3 |
| Brightview Internet Services Ltd | 0207 665 3000 | |
| BT | 0800 800 030 | |
| Bulldog | 0800 404 8151 | Option 1 then Option 2 |
| Care4free | 0870 160 9901 | |
| Community Internet | 01865 856 170 | |
| Dark Marketing Ltd | 0870 742 4455 | |
| Demon (a brand of THUS plc) | 0845 272 2333 | Option 4 |
| Dial Start | 0870 160 1385 | |
| Easynet UK Online Broadband | 0845 333 4600 | |
| Eclipse Internet | 07392 333301 | |
| EFHBroadband.com | 0870 141 7038 | |
| Entanet | 0871 433 3682 | |
| Fast.co.uk | 0870 881 3278 | |
| freenetname | 0870 909 0586 | |
| Global Internet | 0870 909 8100 | Option 3 |
| ic24 | 0870 160 1381 | |
| Internet Central | 01782 667766 | Option 3 |
| InterViVo Networks Ltd | 0845 345 9234 | |
| LCC Communications Ltd | 0870 242 7443 | |
| Madasafish | 0870 160 1386 | |
| Metronet | 0870 284 0284 | |
| Net Access | No number foundCall customer services | |
| Netplan Internet Solutions | 0870 751 8345 | Option 3 |
| Nildram (Accent UK) | 08701 608 600 | |
| ntl Freedom | 0800 052 2000 | Option 3 |
| PIPEX Internet | 0845077 8324 | Option 3 |
| Sky Broadband | 08705 515 515 | Select the option for customer service |
| Spitfire | 0207 501 3030 | |
| Telefonica UK | 0870 753 0900 | Has been sold to net services plc |
| Totalise | 0870 160 9905 | |
| Tiscali | 0845 077 4488 | Option 1 |
| Uniworld | 0845 458 4510 | |
| Virgin | Via the Virgin Web site www.virgin.net | |
| VNL | No number foundCall customer services | |
| Waitrose.com | 0800 980 0018 | Option 2 |
| Wanadoo UK plc | 0870 0102 462 | Option 2 |
| Zen Internet | 0845 058 9000 | Option 3 |
Table 1: The telephone number of broadband providers in UK for switching broadband.
