Changing ISP, in New Name

ThemeOne

Up until now someone else has paid for my home ISP, and the ISP account was in their own name (the landline was in my name). We have now agreed they will stop paying for ISP, and they cancelled the service with the last day set for next week.

Meanwhile I put in an order with a new ISP, Co-operative Phone & Broadband, who have just told me they cannot action my order until the previous service has ended, meaning I will probably have a 3 week gap in service given the standard changeover time of 10-14 working days.

They said this would be the same with any new provider.

I first want to check they are right, as this will be massively inconvenient, and I've never heard of this enforced gap in service before.

As far as I can see, the only thing that makes this different from a normal change of ISP is that the old service is in someone else's name. Any thoughts appreciated.

unforeseen

What will cause the gap is that the old account is being cancelled and not transferred.

As it will be a new provision because of the cancellation, Co-Op can not do anything until the line is cleared of the old service.

You probably could have got it transferred to Co-Op with a name change and not had downtime but it may be too late now.

Also the old account holder could also be hit with the £30 charge that Openreach levy for ceasing a supply

ThemeOne

Thanks for explaining. I think it probably is too late now, as you suggest, especially as I'm not in everyday contact with the old account holder.

Luckily I have a 3G dongle, and will likely be away for some of the gap time.