When to switch provider

brewerdave

Neil_Jones said:

Note though that if you're in a FTTP only area and you're currently on FTTC, you may not be able to move to another FTTC package.  You can only stay on that with your existing provider.

More and more exchanges are moving to "fibre priority" status - I suspect this is going to lead to an increase in complaints from posters who find that they tied to their existing supplier/package at an increased price after their minimum term OR have to make the jump to FTTP

southsidergs

To answer the OP's question just get your new provider to choose the start date for your new service that you want (with at least 2 weeks notice) no need to make it any more complicated than that!

phillw

pyrrhus80 said:

Just a quick question (hopefully)

My contract with Plusnet is up in a month's time and they have informed me that my price will be almost doubling.

When is the ideal moment for me to sign up to a new provider? I don't want to get a fine for switching too early (while I am still in contract) - but if I wait until my contract runs out, I'll inevitably end up paying under the new price for however long it takes for the switch to take place.

Some providers let you choose a switch date, but as a general rule you will be offered a switch date around 14 days from when you sign up. This is because they have to give you a 14 day cooling off period.

I personally would phone plusnet and confirm the earliest switch date that will avoid any early repayment charge, then just over two weeks before that date I would check for the cheapest deals and switch. If the new provider doesn't give you the option of setting the date and it is too early, then phone the new provider and tell them that unless they delay the switch then you will cancel. If they then switch you early, I would make a complaint and get compensation. However if you don't want to spend time on the phone, just switch 14 days before the end date (or even a couple of days later if you want to be safe).

I don't know what you are currently paying, but I aim for around £15 a month after cashback/vouchers/etc. I'm getting 44mb/s from shell energy broadband for that, I signed up via topcashback.