Switching ISP at contract expiry

fifthofwhisky

If I have a phone and broadband contract with supplier A that reaches term, let's say 30 April, when can I order a replacement with supplier B? That is to say is it the order date or the switch date that counts in relation to the existing contract?


If the switch date was several days after contract expiry, would supplier A's line rental charge and phone and broadband charges be pro-rated?

macman

The contract does not expire, it just reaches the end of it's minimum term, and then continues, usually based on 30 days notice. It's the switch date that matters, not the order date. If your min term ends 30/4, you can give notice a month prior.
Yes, if you switch after min term ends, your final bill will be for a part month, and based on the prices applicable from the end of the min term (for example if you had a discounted rate for the first 12m, that would end).

fifthofwhisky

Is there any way to order now and request a switch date of 1 May or something like that to minimise the charges post end of term?

kwikbreaks

You can request what you like but the new ISP relies on Openreach and they are a law unto themselves.

Just make sure you use a cashback site to cushion any double charging (which is probable). Alternately most ISPs will do a deal if approached at end of minimum term.

mgfvvc

Zen were able to set up an order in their system, but not activate it. They told me to call to activate the order 10 working days before I wanted the switch to happen, which I did. The switch then occurred on exactly the right day. I'm not sure how well this would work with a less competent ISP.

lee111s

My Dad just switched from EE to BT and when placing the order online was able to select the day he wanted the switch to happen. He set it about 17 days ahead of the order date to ensure he was moving the day after the inital contract expiry date with EE.

fifthofwhisky

lee111s wrote: »

My Dad just switched from EE to BT and when placing the order online was able to select the day he wanted the switch to happen. He set it about 17 days ahead of the order date to ensure he was moving the day after the inital contract expiry date with EE.

I seem to recall something similar when I switched before. Cannot recall if it was PN to EE or the other way around. I'll click through and see if its an option.