How to switch broadband provider with One Touch Switch
Choose your new deal, and your new provider handles the switch.
If you choose a new deal through the comparison on BillsSorted, your new provider handles the switch for you through One Touch Switch, including telling your old provider. You don't normally need to contact your old provider at all.
Source: Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is here, published 12 September 2024; Ofcom, Switching broadband provider, last updated 25 August 2026
What is One Touch Switch?
One Touch Switch is the way you switch home broadband and landline providers in the UK. Ofcom brought it in on 12 September 2024.
Before then, moving between providers on different networks, such as from a provider on Openreach's network to Virgin Media or an independent full fibre network, meant contacting both providers. Now your old provider sends the information your new provider needs, including any early termination charges, and your new provider manages the switch once you confirm.
Source: Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is here, published 12 September 2024
How to switch, step by step
- Check when your contract ends. Your provider must tell you 10 to 40 days before your contract ends, and remind you every year if you're out of contract. You can also check your provider's app or website, or ask them.
- Choose your new deal, for example through the comparison on this page.
- Your new provider arranges the switch. You don't normally need to contact your old provider.
- Your new service starts. Any loss of service should last no more than one working day, and your provider must compensate you if things go wrong with the switch.
Source: Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is here, published 12 September 2024; Ofcom, Switching broadband provider, last updated 25 August 2026; Ofcom, Are you in or out of contract?, last updated 17 July 2026
Will I pay an exit fee?
You may do, if you're still in contract. The early termination charge is set out in your contract, and with One Touch Switch your provider must tell you about it before you switch.
You don't pay notice-period charges beyond the switch date.
Source: Ofcom, Are you in or out of contract?, last updated 17 July 2026; Ofcom, Switching broadband provider, last updated 25 August 2026; Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is here, published 12 September 2024
Compare broadband deals
Deals come from our comparison partners.
Some providers pay for higher placement in the Featured order.
How long does switching take?
Ofcom's rules mean a switch can take just one day where this is technically possible. Your new provider may be able to arrange the switch for a date you choose.
If you're left without service for more than one working day, your provider must compensate you.
Source: Ofcom, Simpler broadband switching in as little as a day, published 28 September 2021, last updated 28 September 2023; Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is here, published 12 September 2024; Ofcom, Switching broadband provider, last updated 25 August 2026
If something goes wrong
Providers must compensate you if things go wrong with the switch, including if you're left without service for more than one working day.
Source: Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is here, published 12 September 2024
What to check before you switch
- When does your contract end?
- What do you pay now, and how does it compare with typical prices for your speed?
- What speed do you need for your household?
- Is the deal you want available at your address?
Sources and dates
- Ofcom, Simpler and quicker broadband switching is herePublished 12 September 2024How switching works, notice-period charges and compensation.
- Ofcom, Switching broadband providerLast updated 25 August 2026Loss of service during a switch, compensation, being told about charges before you switch, and arranging a switch date.
- Ofcom, Are you in or out of contract?Last updated 17 July 2026How to find your contract end date, and early termination charges.
- Ofcom, Simpler broadband switching in as little as a dayPublished 28 September 2021, last updated 28 September 2023How quickly a switch can happen.
Figures on this page are a guide, not advice. They show typical prices for new deals, not what is right for you. Prices and rules change often, so check the details with the provider before you decide.