From 12th September 2024, new Ofcom rules come into play to make switching to a new broadband provider easier and faster than ever. Let’s take a closer look at how it all works.
What is One Touch Switch for broadband?
One Touch Switch is a new system for switching your home broadband. It helps make it easier than ever to switch to a new provider – by having that provider handle absolutely everything about the switch for you, including cancelling with your old provider.
Up until now, this was how things worked when you were switching between two providers that both use the Openreach network. That includes BT, Sky, TalkTalk, or Vodafone. But if you were switching to or from a provider that uses a different network – such as Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, Fibrus, or another independent full fibre provider – you’d need to contact your old provider separately to cancel the contract.
With the new One Touch Switch, there’s no need to do that. Whichever provider you choose – and whichever provider you’re saying goodbye to – it’s all handled by the new one.
Not only that, but broadband providers also now aim to switch you within a single day, wherever it’s technically possible. In practice, that may mean you need to wait a few days longer if you’re switching between physical networks (from BT to Virgin Media, for example), or if you’re taking the plunge into full fibre or cable broadband.
You can read more about how One Touch Switch works on Ofcom’s website.
Are there any exceptions to One Touch Switch?
There are a couple of exceptions, yes.
One Touch Switch isn’t guaranteed if you’re switching to or from a mobile broadband service. By that we mean a home router from a provider such as Three or O2 that uses its 4G/5G mobile network to get your household online. You’ll most likely still need to contact your old provider to cancel in this case.
You may also need to contact your old provider if you have another service bundled with your broadband – such as a TV package.
How do I switch broadband now?
Before you switch broadband, the first thing you should do is check whether you’re out of contract with your current provider. If you’re still within the minimum contract terms, be prepared to pay early-exit fees.
Ready to switch? Here’s how it works:
- Compare your options. Type your postcode into our postcode checker, see what’s available, and pick a new broadband deal.
- Click through and sign up to your chosen deal. Your new provider will now handle the switch, including notifying your current provider.
- Look out for contact (most likely an email) from your old provider with important switching info. It’ll include your final bill, any cancellation fees, and what to do with any equipment. You’ll also need to follow the instructions to give your consent to switch.
- When your new router arrives, plug it in on the go-live date and wait for your new service.
That’s all it takes.
If you’re switching to a different type of broadband – such as full fibre or cable broadband – you may also need an engineer visit to install it. You can arrange this when you sign up to your deal.
Read more in our full guide to switching broadband.
What broadband providers can I switch to with One Touch Switch?
The main benefit of One Touch Switch is that the switching process is just as easy, regardless of which provider you choose.
It should apply whether you’re choosing an Openreach provider (such as BT, Sky, or TalkTalk), Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Fibrus… any provider at all. Enter your postcode into our checker to see what you can get.
Why not try:
- Plusnet: Fibre optic broadband with speeds up to 900Mbps, and no need for a phone line
- Sky: Speeds up to 900Mbps, some of the best customer service on the market, and the chance to add a TV package too
- NOW Broadband: Some of the best-priced full fibre broadband you can get, plus the chance to bundle in a TV Membership
Compare broadband deals in your area
