SWITCHING broadband providers can save you money and help you get faster speeds – but customers are often tied in to contracts.
However, a growing number of providers now offer switching incentives to tempt customers to join them by their exit fees.
AlamyMany major telecom providers now offer incentives to attract new customers, which could cover your exit fees entirely[/caption]Sabrina Hoque, Uswitch broadband expert said: “If you are still in your broadband contract, but not happy with your service or think you’re paying too much, it could still be worth switching if it’ll save you money in the long-run.
“This can incur an early exit fee, but several providers now offer to cover some of these costs as an incentive.”
These perks, often called “Switching Credit,” “Welcome Credit,” or “Contract Buyout,” are designed to make switching easier.
Switching credits work by reimbursing you for the early termination fees charged by your current provider, up to a certain amount.
This means you can move to a better broadband deal without worrying about paying a large penalty to leave your old contract.
However, these credits are not always widely advertised, so you may need to contact the provider directly to enquire about them.
According to a recent survey by ISPreview, a news site specialising in internet service providers, many providers now offer these credits.
Check if you're out of contract
TO check if your broadband contract has ended, log into your provider's online account or app, check your latest bill, or contact your provider directly via phone or live chat
Providers are usually required to notify you 10 to 40 days before your contract ends, usually via email, text, or letter.
For example, EE and BT provide switching credits of up to £300, while Sky offers up to £100 for broadband-only packages or £200 for broadband and TV bundles.
Vodafone offers up to £100 for customers on 24-month contracts, and Hyperoptic provides up to nine months of free service on 24-month contracts.
KCOM offers switching credits of up to £200, depending on the package, while YouFibre provides up to £300 for 18-month contracts.
Brsk offers up to £150 for 18-month contracts as well.
Fibrus offers up to £400, with the exact amount depending on the deal, and Connect Fibre provides up to three months of free service.
Quickline rounds off the list with switching credits of up to £300, issued via a prepaid Mastercard.
Despite these enticing offers, Alex Tofts, a strategist at Broadband Genie, advises customers to carefully review the terms and conditions attached to these deals.
“While switching credits can seem appealing, it’s crucial to understand what’s required to claim them,” says Tofts.
“These credits can range from £25 on certain Vodafone deals to £300 on some EE broadband packages, but they may not fully cover your exit fees.
“Additionally, you’ll need sufficient funds in your account to pay the exit fee before your new provider reimburses you.
“The claims process can be strict, and it’s often your responsibility to follow up on the claim.”
For this reason, it’s essential to carefully compare the new deal with your current one and determine the exact exit fee you’d incur before making any commitments.
How do I switch providers?
Switching TV, broadband and landline providers has become significantly easier due to new rules introduced in September 2024.
Customers now only need to contact their new provider to make the switch, eliminating the need to deal with their current provider, even if they find a better deal elsewhere.
Since 2015, customers using Openreach’s network – which includes providers like BT and Sky – have been able to switch by allowing their new provider to handle the process.
However, switching to or from providers like Virgin Media, which operates on its own independent network, previously required contacting the existing provider to arrange the change.
Ofcom‘s new “One Touch” rules have streamlined the process for all networks.
Now, customers switching services only need to liaise with their new provider, regardless of the network.
These rules also ensure that customers won’t pay notice-period charges beyond the switch date, meaning they won’t be billed for overlapping services.
Additionally, providers are required to compensate customers for any issues during the switch, such as being left without service for more than one working day.
The amount of compensation will vary depending on the situation.
The new rules align broadband and TV switching with mobile switching.
Since 2019, mobile phone customers have been able to switch providers using the “text to switch” system, avoiding the hassle of calling their current network.
To find the best deals, consider visiting comparison sites such as MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch.
These platforms allow you to tailor your search based on factors like price, data allowances, and preferred providers.
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