First Time Buyer - process of getting new broadband?

01clarkm

Hello all

I have used the search feature on here extensively but cannot find a thread which covers our situation so hope it is OK to post a new one.

My girlfriend and I are first time buyers and we have just exchanged contracts on our first home together; and we complete on the 29th November (2 weeks time). We are pretty up to speed on everything such as the electric and water (no gas in the property) and how that process works, but we are both totally confused with the process and etiquette of getting our own broadband package running!

I have been in touch with the previous owner and he has offered us to takeover his current BT package, but I've noted it's not a very good one and he seems to be paying over the odds for it. Thus, we are not interested in taking up his offer, and I have text him to let him know that he can cancel his package and we will find our own - to which I've had no response.

He is on a 30 day rolling term, as he has finished his contract so only has to give 30 days notice. His words, not mine.

With all this in mind I have the following questions which I would really appreciate if someone could help answer and shed some light on what happens next!

1. How does the changeover work exactly? Do I need to tell our potential broadband provider that there is a previous contract already running?
2. Does the 30 day's notice actually make sense to anyone here? I've never heard of this before, could he have got this wrong?
3. Is it bad etiquette to go ahead and book in our broadband installation for the first day after our completion date (I appreciate the router may turn up in the post before this date while the current owner is still living there - is that rude? Does it matter?)?
4. What happens if he doesn't get round to cancelling his broadband package for a few weeks or even longer? Does that affect our ability to get our own one running? Is it my responsibility to keep chasing him to cancel it?
5. Can two broadband packages be activated on the same telephone line/socket?
6. Is it even OK for us to be doing this at this stage? Before we move in? An article on Cable.co.uk seems to suggest we should be doing it now (not allowed to post link to it).
7. Am I over complicating this??? :rotfl:

Everyone we speak to seems to give us different answers so I'm hoping that we can get a better understanding from here!

Thank you in advance for your help.

Mike

lee111s

The best thing is to simply place an order to take over the line.

The current owner will get a letter/email/text from BT advising someone is taking over the line.

His service will end and yours will begin concurrently.

If he cancels his service BT will cease the line. It would then take 7-10 days from the day you placed an order when you move in, for a service to be activated.

01clarkm

Thanks Lee

So you don't think we should worry about a new router turning up in the post to the old owner?

It's not going to cancel his service too early will it?

The package I am looking at is only available online so will the online process definitely give me the option to delay the activation?

Thank you for your help.

lee111s

If you're worried about that just set your activation date for a few days after you move in. You'll be too busy unpacking boxes and setting up furniture to worry about the internet for a few days.

Yes you should be able to specify what date you want the service to activate.

Don't forget top cashback or Quidco!

01clarkm

Thanks Lee. So you don't think there is anything wrong with us going ahead with it now, 2 weeks before as long as we set the actual activiation date after completion.

lee111s

Yep.

My buyer has done the same, I got a text and an email from BT advising my service would stop on the 25th November.

01clarkm

Great stuff really appreciate your help.