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How do I switch my broadband provider?

When you move into a new home, you need to choose a broadband provider to set up your connection. But if you want to change your existing provider, you might think it's a bit more complicated. Fortunately, it's not complicated at all. In fact, you follow the same steps as setting up a connection in a new house. Use our comparison tool to look for the best broadband deals using your postcode. Choose the ideal package for you, then sign up with the provider. They'll deal with telling your existing provider that you don't want to continue receiving your broadband from them. It's like getting your new partner to break up with your old one for you. However, if you're currently with Virgin Media or switching to them, you need to do this yourself. Once you've signed up, your new provider will help you get set up. They'll send you what you need, including a router, and arrange a time to send out an engineer if they need to.

Does switching provider take long?

There's no set time it takes for your broadband to be switched from your old provider to your new one. However, everything should be done in around 10 working days, which could be up to two weeks in total. If there isn't currently a working phone line, an engineer will need to come out and install one. This can delay things a little as you'll need to be home and arrange a suitable time for them to come. Remember that if you're cancelling a Virgin Media package, you need to call them.

Can I keep my email address if I switch?

You might have an email address that is connected to your current broadband package. When you make the switch, you might be worried that you'll have to give up that address. In some cases, you'll be able to keep it, but some providers won't allow that. You can still access your email if you use BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet or Virgin, although it might only be temporary. Before you switch your broadband provider, you should consider a new email address and change any accounts connected to your old one.

Which provider offers the best broadband deals in the UK?

The broadband provider with the best deals depends entirely on your outlook. It depends on what matters to you when you choose a provider. You need to think about how much you're willing to spend, how fast you need your connection to be, and where you live. Our tool to compare broadband deals begins with inputting your postcode. That's because it's the first stage of finding out what options are available for you. Some regions have more options or just different options. In some areas, you can get fibre broadband, while in others it hasn't yet been made available. You will be able to get TV and broadband bundles in some places but not in others.

When you compare broadband providers, weigh your budget against the benefits you receive from different packages. You don't always need to choose the most expensive option to get what you need.

What is fibre optic broadband?

You might know that fibre optic broadband is "superfast", but perhaps you want to know more about it. Fibre optic broadband is a newer form of broadband that provides a faster service than standard ADSL broadband. Unlike standard broadband, fibre optic doesn't use your existing phone line. It uses a brand new line that's dedicated to providing better connectivity. It's better able to deal with the modern demands that a lot of homes and businesses have. Because it's a newer service, it isn't available all over the UK. You can use our comparison tool to find out if it's available for your postcode.

Can I get a fibre optic broadband deal?

When you search for broadband deals using your postcode, you might find that you can't see any options for fibre optic broadband. The reason for this is that fibre optic is a relatively new technology and service. Broadband providers are still in the process of rolling it out across the UK, so it might not have reached your region just yet. The majority of the country has access to this fast service, but there is still a portion waiting to receive it. The rollout is sponsored by the government, and it's happening quickly, so fibre optic broadband should soon reach your area. You could choose to wait for it to become available or you can look for the next best deal now and switch your package or provider when fibre optic comes along. Occasionally, fibre optic might be available in your region but it's not available for your property due to your location or the positioning of your home.

Why isn't Virgin Media available for me?

You might also be hoping to see deals from Virgin Media when you compare broadband packages. However, like fibre optic, Virgin Media is not available across the whole of the UK. The provider uses its own cable network, which covers about 50% of the UK. You're more likely to have access to it if you live in a town or city than if you live somewhere more rural. Virgin Media is expanding their network, so if you can't get it now, you might be able to in the future.

Can I get broadband without a phone line?

Can't remember the last time you used your home phone? Have no idea what your landline phone number is? You're not alone. Many people now use their mobile phones to make phone calls, whether they're out and about or at home. It's convenient because you get minutes included with your phone package and you're not tied down to one place. So you might be wondering if you can get broadband without a phone line. Unfortunately, most broadband uses phone lines to work. There are a couple of exceptions. There's Virgin Media, which uses separate cables, as well as a smaller network called Hyperoptic. You can also use mobile broadband, which works like the internet on your mobile phone.