Switching to a Different ISP

Broadband prices are falling like hurdlers with their laces tied, so now is as good a time as ever to switch to a better provider.

Use our 5 step plan to ensure you make the switch without a hitch...

Step 1

Check your current contract

Take a look at the small print of your current provider. If you haven't been with them for more than a year, you may well be locked into a 12 month contract with them. This doesn't mean you can't switch, but it does mean you will have to continue paying them up to the end of your committed period.

If you find you are not tied to a contract, you can proceed to step 2.

Tip: If you want to avoid falling into lengthy commitments with a new ISP, use ChooseISP's nifty search tools to only show you providers with no minimum contracts.

Step 2

Find the best new provider for your needs

Broadband now comes in many flavours, with most providers presenting a clutch of packages to suit just about every possible user. Are you a gamer with a penchant for fat music files? Are you looking for a family friendly connection? Are you simply a light user of emails and the occasional website? Whatever your needs, there is a package out there for you. Use ChooseISP's famous 'ChooseHelper' to find the perfect provider for your needs.

Step 3

Cancel your existing ISP and get the MAC number

Keeping in mind the small print about cancellation notification, let your current ISP know that you wish to cancel your subscription with them. While you are at it, ask them to give you an individual 'MAC' number. You will need this for Step 4.

Step 4

Sign up to your new supplier

Using ChooseISP's useful tools to find the perfect broadband ISP, sign up for the package that suits you best. Once signed up, contact the new provider and give them your MAC number as well as the name of your previous provider. Your migration cannot take place without these details.

Step 5

Leave it to them

Once initiated, you just need to sit back and let the new provider do all the work for you. They will contact your old ISP to arrange the transfer of your service. You can expect to be down for about 7 days, but some providers work much faster than this and you may find your downtime to be much less. It is always a good idea to have a dial-up backup for those periods where you are broadbandless.

I want to compare broadband.

Compare broadband and bundle services
Back to broadband guide