# Broadband switching guide UK: One Touch Switch and social tariffs

> Bills & utilities · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Switch broadband by signing up with a new provider — they cancel your old service under Ofcom's One Touch Switch rules. Out-of-contract customers often save £10–£20 a month; households on Universal Credit or Pension Credit may qualify for social tariffs around £15–£20 a month.

Millions of UK households pay post-contract 'loyalty' prices on broadband. Switching no longer means chasing two providers — the new supplier handles cancellation. Pair a switch with a mobile SIM-only move and social-tariff check if you claim benefits.

## Key facts

- Ofcom One Touch Switch: one contact with the new provider — they notify and cancel the old service
- Mid-contract rises on new contracts must be in pounds and pence, disclosed upfront from 17 January 2025
- Social tariffs (BT Home Essentials, Sky Basics, Virgin Essential, etc.) often cost £15–£20/month for benefit claimants
- Full fibre (FTTP) is available to most UK premises — compare alt-nets as well as BT, Sky, Virgin and TalkTalk

## Before you switch

Find your contract end date on your bill or online account. Out-of-contract pricing is where the biggest savings sit. Note any router return rules and early-exit fees if you are still inside a minimum term.

Check your line type at your address — FTTP can mean faster speeds at lower cost than legacy copper-based 'fibre' (FTTC).

## The switching process

Choose a deal and sign up online or by phone. The new provider sends switch notification letters; you have 14 days to cancel the switch if you change your mind.

Keep your landline number if you need it — most providers support number porting when stated at sign-up.

## Haggle or switch?

Threatening to leave often triggers a retention discount, but new-customer deals from rivals are frequently still cheaper. Compare both before you accept a retention offer.

## Frequently asked questions

### Will I lose internet during the switch?

Most switches are seamless. FTTP-to-FTTP moves may need an engineer visit; your new provider will book this. Allow a short overlap if you work from home on install day.

### Can I switch broadband mid-contract?

Yes, but early termination fees may apply unless the provider breached contract terms (for example undisclosed price rises on old-style inflation-linked contracts).

## Primary source

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/easy-switch-broadband/

## Related

- [How to switch broadband](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/switch-broadband-supplier/)
- [Broadband social tariffs](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/broadband-social-tariffs-and-mid-contract-rises/)
- [SIM-only & mobile switching](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/sim-only-mobile-switching/)
- [Featured offers*](https://moneyguide.org.uk/offers/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.