The good news is that switching broadband provider is - in theory - not that hard!

First of all, use our dazzling broadband comparison search and our comparison tools to find a better, cheaper, or friendlier broadband service. Once you've decided...

Download a free guide to changing broadband provider, which contains the Broadband Genie's expert advice about how to switch ISP.

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Switching from one ADSL provider to another

Most broadband services are ADSL, that is, the connection is down your telephone line. You'll need to:
  • Check your terms and conditions, and lookout for cancellation policy and charges. If you are in a 12-month contract, you may find the cancellation fee a deterrent to switching.
  • Arrange to cancel your broadband and - importantly - get them to tell you your MAC number.
  • Order your new broadband, and tell your new broadband provider your MAC number, and what your previous broadband service was.
Your new provider should take of it from there. The switchover should be seamless, although there may be a few minutes of downtime between switching connections.

Switching between cable and ADSL

Because ADSL and cable (NTL or Telewest) are completely separate technologies, you simply need to cancel one and 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.

If you are switching from cable to ADSL (e.g. from NTL to Tiscali), you will need to have a BT phoneline installed. You may need to contact BT independently to get them to come and install a line, if you don't have one already.

Things to bear in mind

  • The switching process differs slightly from provider to provider. Your new provider should be motivated to guide you through any difficulties!
  • The UK's telecommunications regular - Ofcom - is trying to make sure that switching broadband providers is easy peasy. If you have any problems, get in touch with Ofcom.