Residential and commercial property owners may consider switching broadband providers when experiencing low internet speeds or upon sourcing better package deals or gigabit deals that allow for advanced internet speeds. Although the switching process may differ depending on the provider and type of broadband connection you currently have, there are certain actions individuals can take to speed up the process.

2022 is a year of fast pace change for the broadband industry. The Full Fibre rollout is underway and is seeing many people get better access to superfast fibre broadband and people are making full use of this by switching. In this article, we discuss how long it usually takes to switch broadband and steps that can speed up the process, and outline factors that can slow down the switch.

How long does it take to switch broadband?

It takes approximately two weeks to switch broadband providers. Yet this approximation may vary depending on the provider and the nature of the switch.

It’s possible to start the broadband conversion process at any point, however, customers may experience an early exit charge if they start the process mid-contract. It’s important for property owners to factor this cost into their decision to leave due to the high nature of the cost. This cost can be avoided when the broadband speed falls below the minimum you were promised when you signed up for the service

How to speed up switching broadband

If you’re interested in how to switch broadband, consider these tips on how to speed up the process:

1. Plan ahead

Give your broadband provider notice before leaving. You may consider calling them to go over the current contract and determine whether you’ve completed the minimum term. The provider can provide you with information regarding the cancellation fee where applicable.

2. Check your tech

Determine whether you need to install new connection lines depending on the type of broadband service you opt for. Full fibre broadband exchanges connection through fibre-optic cables. This means that installing full-fibre broadband may incur lengthier switch times. Alternatively, fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband connections are set up using existing copper infrastructure.

3. Check provider reviews

Read independent reviews about a company’s services to ensure you choose the right provider. Determine the overall customer satisfaction rating when it comes to value for money, broadband speed, and overall service. Make sure the company has a proven track record for quick broadband installations and activations.

4. Read the small print

Make sure to read the small print to find out detailed product information. The small print will also include information as to whether the provider will be posting a new router. Reading this information can help you make an informed decision about the provider before you buy.

What can slow down switching broadband?

The main problem that slows down switching broadband is installation or engineering work. This is because new installations require a visit from an engineer. Engineering work is required if you plan on switching internet types – such as upgrading from FTTC to FTTP fibre broadband. Please note that the downtime you’re likely to experience without the internet is only a few minutes.

There are certain steps home and business owners alike can follow to speed up switching broadband. As more businesses go online and at-home workforces continue to grow, switching broadband to achieve a faster and more reliable internet connection is to be expected over the coming years.