Before you start
Check your contract end date and any early termination charges. If you received an Ofcom-notified mid-contract price rise, you may have a 30-day window to leave penalty-free—read the notice carefully. Note whether you need to return routers (BT, Sky and others often charge if equipment goes missing).
Gather your postcode, address, and—if FTTP—whether an ONT is already fitted. Virgin customers need to know if their address is in a quick self-install footprint or needs engineering.
Openreach-led switches (most BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone FTTC/FTTP)
Choose a new deal and place the order; your new provider triggers migration. You will get a go-live date—often 10–14 working days for like-for-like technology moves without appointments. FTTP first installs take longer if a new drop cable is required.
You usually receive a new router pre-configured. Keep your old service running until the handover completes; outages should be short, but pack a mobile hotspot for critical work.
Virgin Media and alt-net fibre
Virgin often runs a parallel install: engineer visits for the coax tap, then activation. Alt-nets may pull fibre through ducts with their own installers—lead times vary by backlog. Do not cancel your existing service until the replacement is live unless you accept a deliberate gap.
After activation
Reconnect devices, update Wi-Fi passwords, and check smart home hubs. If speeds miss the minimum guarantee on fibre/cable, raise a fault with metrics within the cooling-off period if needed. Track your old provider’s final bill for lingering equipment fees.
SwitcherMate can surface vetted deals so you compare totals—including setup and promotional lengths—before you commit.
Keeping services for vulnerable users
If anyone in your household relies on telecare alarms, fall detectors, or fax machines tied to analogue lines, flag this during the order. Providers should discuss compatible VoIP or mobile backup options before migration. Ofcom has emphasised protections as PSTN retires—push for written confirmation of how 999 calls work after switchover.
Document serial numbers of routers you return and keep dispatch receipts. Disputes over “missing kit” fees are a common post-switch pain point that paperwork prevents.