Guide to broadband and moving home

Of all the arrangements you need to make when moving home, making sure you have an internet connection as quickly as possible is paramount. That’s even more true if you work from home, have children or depend on the internet to keep in touch with friends and family.

This guide supplied by Broadband Genie will walk you through the entire subject of broadband and moving home.

Before you move home

Like many elements of moving home, a little planning can go a long way. If you can, check what broadband is available, check your current contract and decide whether to switch or stay before you move home. Do this in advance and you should get connected much faster when you arrive.

See what broadband is available

Once you know your new address it makes sense to check what your broadband options are. The easiest way to do that is to use a broadband coverage checker.

Simply enter your new postcode to see a list of broadband providers in your new area and the deals they are offering. You can use this information to decide whether to switch or stay with your current provider.

Check your current contract

Before you sign up to a new broadband deal, you need to check your current one. If you’re still within the fixed term part of your contract, the first 12, 18 or 24 month part, you may be charged an early termination fee for leaving early.

If you have completed that part of your contract, you should be able to leave without a charge.

Switch or stay

Now you know what broadband deals are available at your new address and whether you may be liable for early termination fees, you can decide whether to switch or stay. You could remain with your current contract and move it with you or switch to a new contract and have it installed at your new address.

Switching to a new contract may give you faster broadband speeds, lower prices, more features, higher data caps.

Staying with your current broadband provider avoids any early termination fees and may be easier to arrange but you may not get any new customer benefits. Some providers will also require you to sign up to a new contract during your move.

Moving with your current broadband provider

Depending on what you decide, you will either be moving your existing broadband connection to your new address or having a new connection installed. There are a couple of considerations for either scenario you need to consider.

Notice periods for house moves

Most broadband providers require at least 14 days’ notice to move your broadband. ISPs such as Sky, TalkTalk, BT, Virgin Media, Plusnet and Post Office all require a minimum of two weeks’ notice to arrange the move and book an engineer visit if one is necessary.

What if your current ISP cannot provide broadband at your new address?

What happens if your current broadband provider cannot deliver the same speed or any service at all? If this happens, you will need to discuss this with the provider.

Some ISPs will allow you to leave your contract without penalty as they cannot deliver the service. Others may transfer you to ‘off network’ services that still offer broadband but at a different speed or with different arrangements.

If none of these arrangements suit, you can ask to leave your contract. If the ISP objects, you may follow up with the Ombudsman as the change in service could qualify for a mid-contract change.

How does a broadband move work?

A broadband move is relatively straightforward and goes something like this:

1. Arrange with your broadband provider of choice to move or install services at your new address.
2. If an engineer is required, an appointment will be made as close to moving day as possible.
3. If an engineer is not required, a router will be sent to your new address and broadband setup will be completed for you.
4. If an engineer is required, they will visit, install and test your new connection.

Switching broadband provider

If you decide to switch broadband providers during your house move you could benefit from some great deals. You could pay less for the same service, have faster broadband, enjoy more features or benefit from bundle deals.

You should provide at least 30 days’ notice to your existing provider if you’re planning to leave them.

Early termination fees for broadband

If you are still within the fixed period of your contract you may have to pay early termination fees. Not all providers demand these fees so it is worth discussing it with them.

If a fee is required, this will usually be the amount you would have paid until the end of the fixed term part of your contract.

Installing a new broadband or Virgin connection

If there is no working line at your new address or you’re having Virgin Media cable installed, the process is a little more involved than if you were having a connection reactivated.

An installation requiring an engineer visit will need booking in advance. Most ISPs require at least 14 days’ notice to book an installation. They will book the engineer appointment at the time or shortly afterwards. The physical installation can take from an hour to a couple of hours depending on how much work is required.

Moving broadband in rented properties

If your new property is rented and has a working broadband connection, there should be no issue having your connection installed when you move in.

If there is no current broadband connection and installation is required, you will need permission from the landlord or letting agent. As the installation may involve drilling holes in walls, you should always get permission in writing to make sure you’re covered.