Need broadband? Ready to switch? Get fair, unbiased advice in a language you understand so you make the right choice.
Ten Tips On Switching Broadband
You wouldn’t think twice about shopping around for your gas and electricity, so why pay over the odds for your broadband?
If you’re one of the estimated 13 million people with internet access at home* you could save money and get a better service by following our 10 tips to get the most out of your broadband.
Click here to read a longer version of this article. *(Office of National Statistics, 2006).
It may seem obvious, but simply asking your current provider for a better deal could be the answer.
Prices are constantly changing so if you’ve had your contract for some time chances are you could get the same thing for a lot less just by asking for it. You never know, try your luck and ask for the latest deal.
We have also listed Broadband switching deals, which are only available for customers that are migrating from an alternative broadband provider.
2. Your rights
Check: Is your supplier signed up to the Migration Code of Practice? Use our Calculator to search for your ISP and find out.
Check: Are you free of your contract obligations? If you have signed a contract you have to see it out or incur a cancellation fee, even if your current provider is signed up to the Migration Code of Practice.
Check: Read the details of your warranty – has your supplier made a service agreement they may have breached? If so, you might be able to terminate your contract with them on these grounds, but make sure you read the small print.
3. Keep a log
If you’ve been having trouble with your broadband connection, make sure that you keep a record of each time you experience a problem. Take a screen grab of your error message, or keep a detailed written log.
This information may be crucial evidence if you want to cancel when you’re still within your minimum contract period.
4. Otelo and Ofcom
If you are having service problems and want to switch provider but are having trouble doing so, you can write an open letter to Otelo, the telecommunications watchdog, of which 33 per cent of ISPs are members.
If your supplier isn’t a member of Otelo, you can still write to Ofcom, the independent regulator for the UK, for help.
For added impact it’s always a good idea to send a copy to the head of customer services at your supplier.
5. Keep the pressure on
Being on hold for long periods of time and then getting nowhere can be disheartening, but don’t give up. Ring regularly, stay cool and don’t be abusive.
Make sure that you are well organised and have your facts to hand – you could also offer to post factual evidence of your problems.
For £12.75 a quarter, you can get easily accessible, reliable legal advice from the Which? Legal Service, so you can make sure you know your rights before relaying them clearly to your service provider.
6. Make yourself heard
If none of this works get in touch with the papers. You can also send us details of your problems at advice@broadbandchoices.co.uk – we may be able to get our contacts in the media to help lobby.
But make sure you have your facts straight before you get the media involved.
7. Complications
The type of broadband you currently have could limit your choices. If you currently have a cable connection, you will need a mobile or landline if you want to switch to 3G or ADSL MAX.
8. When is free really free?
Before you switch, make sure you have checked out any hidden costs in your chosen package. If you are considering a cheap or “free” broadband deal, take into account the quality of service you will be getting.
There is more to broadband than a cheap monthly charge. Consider the opening hours and costs of the call centre and read some Customer reviews to see what other people think about their service.
Use our Calculator to get a list of all the service providers available in your area. You can also find detailed information on each service by clicking on individual package deals.
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