When looking for a great deal on broadband, timing is everything.
Switching to a new broadband provider can be a great way to save money. But when’s the best time to do it? Broadband deals fluctuate throughout the year, and providers tend to compete more aggressively during key sales periods – looking at you, Black Friday.
So whether you’re hunting for a better monthly price, faster speeds or just wanting to avoid those nasty end-of-contract price rises, knowing when to switch is just as important as knowing who to switch to.
When is the best time to switch broadband providers?
If possible, it’s always best to time your switch to align with one of the big sales periods – like Black Friday or the January sales. Providers do offer deals throughout the year, aimed at attracting new customers, but you’ll undoubtedly see the best perks and biggest price drops at these times, when they’re in competition with everyone else.
Of course, there are other factors that you should always take into account when you’re thinking of switching, like seasonal price rises and the end date of your current contract.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
By far the most competitive time for broadband offers, Black Friday (and its little brother Cyber Monday) usually sees all the major providers put their best deals forward in an effort to attract new customers.
Originating in the USA (Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving), the now-traditional sales day only really took hold in the UK in the late 2010s, and broadband providers were a little slow to join in the fun. But in the last few years, Black Friday has quickly become one of the biggest and most important sales periods of the year, usually lasting throughout the month of November and extending into Cyber Monday.
While every provider takes a different tack each Black Friday, you’re likely to see slashed prices, free months, vouchers and even switching credit to tempt you away from your current provider. Check out our Black Friday deals guide for the latest.
January Sales
Coming hot on the heels of Black Friday – on the calendar and in terms of popularity – are the classic January Sales. Traditionally a quieter sales period following the whirlwind of spending at Christmas, January has long since been a great time to bag a deal as retailers and providers try to tempt consumers back to the marketplace.
The same holds true for broadband providers, and while you may not see deals as epic as those offered during Black Friday, there will likely be plenty to catch the eye.
Spring and summer offers
You don’t have to wait until winter to bag a great deal. Many providers will push deals throughout the year, with a couple of bigger sales periods at key points on the calendar.
Spring has become a surprisingly strong period for broadband deals, although it’s much less talked about than the bigger, flashier sales like Black Friday. Many providers like to run offers to boost sales at the end of the financial year, or to promote the rollout of new services or initiatives.
Similar holds true for the summer too – fewer customers tend to switch during the warmer months, so providers often offer deals to incentivise sign-ups. If you’re in the market for a new broadband provider, spring or summer can be ideal times to make your move – while avoiding the frenzy of the major shopping events.
Watch out for annual price rises
Of course, even if you find a brilliant deal, it’s unlikely that your price will be frozen for the entire length of your contract term. Aside from a few notable exceptions, most broadband providers raise their prices every year, to cover inflation and running costs.
Usually this happens between March and April, and thanks to new legislation, providers must reveal up front – in pounds and pence – exactly how much your monthly bill is due to go up by.
If you can time it just right, switching might help you to avoid an incoming price hike.
The best time for you
More than anything, the ‘best’ time for you to switch depends on your minimum contract term. Unless you’re on a rolling contract – which are few and far between when it comes to broadband – you’ll likely be subject to early termination fees if trying to leave your contract before the end.
Fee amounts depend on your provider and your particular contract, but they could end up being quite high if you have a lot of months left before your end date. It’s always a good idea to refamiliarise yourself with your contract before you start thinking about switching.
It’s not necessarily the end of the world if you are facing fees, though. Some companies offer switching credit, to cover the cost of any early termination fees you might face from your current provider.
Frequently asked questions
How long does switching broadband take?
On average, switching usually takes about 2 weeks from signing the contract to moving over to your new provider. However, it may be even quicker if your new provider uses the same network as your current – i.e., Openreach.
Regardless, you’ll always be given an activation date in advance, so you know exactly when the switch will happen.
Can I switch if I’m still in contract?
Yes, you can switch providers any time, although you may need to pay early termination fees if you leave before the end of your minimum contract term. Check your current providers terms for full details.
It’s worth bearing in mind that sometimes these fees could be worth it, especially if you’re nearing the end of your term anyway or you’re moving to a much cheaper deal. You might even get lucky and find a supplier that offers switching credit to cover any fees.
Will I lose internet access during the switch?
Not usually. More often than not the handover takes a few minutes and you’ll experience little to no downtime – especially if both providers use the same network (i.e., Openreach). However, if you’re moving to a different type of connection, like standard to full fibre, you may need an engineer visit and have a short interruption on the day.
Should I switch broadband providers when moving house?
Yes, it can often be a good idea to switch when moving. There are a number of reasons, such as:
- Your current provider might not serve your new area. Use a postcode checker to confirm.
- Your current service might not suit your new home – especially if you’re moving to a bigger place, where your WiFi signal might be stretched to its limits.
- You might be able to get better speeds or cheaper deals at the new address. Are you moving to an area fitted out with full fibre?
Of course, the same considerations apply – how long do you have left on your current contract, and would you face any early termination fees if you switched? It’s always a good idea to weigh up the benefits of switching against any potential costs.
And remember – most providers will allow you to move your current contract to your new residence at no extra cost. Provided they serve the area, of course.
How do I find the best deals when switching?
If you’re thinking of switching, and the time is right, it’s a good idea to compare providers using a trusted comparison site. Just like this one! Pop your postcode into our broadband comparison tool and get a rundown of all the latest deals from all the major providers.If you’d prefer to speak to someone over the phone, give our friendly team a call on 0300 303 0676. They’ll be happy to find a great deal that fits your needs.
