How difficult is it to move your broadband contract to a new home and how do you compare the best broadband providers? If they are questions that has been bothering you, you’re in the right place.
It’s not as tricky as you might think. In fact, moving home is the perfect opportunity to reassess your current broadband contract and look at different options. The chances are, you’re likely to start afresh in your new home, paying less for your internet service than you were before.
Stick with your current provider or switch?
Before you move, it’s important to check the current status of your broadband contract. Broadband deals usually run for 18 or 24 months. After this, you’re moved to a rolling monthly contract at a higher rate and free to switch to a new contract. However, if you want to switch before this minimum term, you’ll be charged an early exit fee.
Scoping out the new digs and using a broadband comparison site
The next step is to check what services are available in your new home. We have our very own broadband comparison tool right here on Homemove, which is free to use. Simply enter your postcode, and we’ll show you the deals available in your new area.
Decent broadband capable of at least 30Mb is available to 98% of the country. But if you’re unfortunate enough to be moving to one of the UK’s slowest streets, or if no fibre broadband options are available, you may want to consider a home 4G connection.
If you’re still under contract with your current provider, don’t fret. A search on our site will let you know if you can get the same deal at your new home. In this case, your move should be easy, you should have very little internet downtime, plus you’ll know what level of customer service and speed to expect.
Bringing your provider to your new home
We know moving home can be stressful, so there’s no shame in taking the easy option. Staying with the same provider will save you a bit of time, but it might not be the most cost-effective option. (also important when moving home).
All you have to do is tell them your move date, usually at least 14 to 30 days in advance. The majority of providers will have a dedicated section on their website.
When you get the keys to your new home, all you need to do is plug your router in, and you’ll be back online.
Your current provider doesn’t supply your new home
If your current provider doesn’t supply internet access at the new property, you’ll need to find a new provider. It’s a tiny bit more hassle, but it pays to switch providers, as new customers get the best deal.
If you haven’t completed your minimum term, you should be able to get any termination fee cleared off. After all, it’s not your fault your provider hasn’t reached your new home.
How to switch
Switching and comparing broadband providers is simple!
Compare broadband deals that will suit your home’s online demands.
With more speed comes a higher price, and you don’t want to be paying for extra lighting quick broadband that is unnecessary for your needs. As a rough guide, here is what you should aim for:
- 1 – 2 people: 35Mb
- 3 – 4 people: 50Mb
- 4 – 5 people: 80Mb
- 5+ people: 100Mb +
Complete the checkout process and select when you want the connection to go live (your move date). In the majority of switches, your new provider will do all the legwork and cancel your old contract. However, in some cases you’ll need to inform your current provider you’re leaving to a new supplier (for example, if you’re moving from or to Virgin Media). For this reason, we recommend always double-checking for your own peace of mind.
Will I be left without internet at any point?
If you give your existing or new provider enough time, your internet downtime should be minimal. . In some cases, if you plug your router in and the connection isn’t working, it’s because they haven’t activated the line. You can always give them a nudge, as this is done remotely.
Hopefully this guide will help you on your new adventure. Go out there and grab those savings and if you do end up with a service you’re not 100% satisfied with, remember you can always cancel a new broadband contract within 14 days of activation, no questions asked.
This guide was written in collaboration with Broadband Genie who is powering Homemove’s broadband comparison tool.
