Am I really not able to change provider?

JenniWren10

We are getting to the end of our broadband contract and contacted a new provider. We’re told there’s no capacity in our area so they can’t allow us to switch to them! We’ve tried a couple of others who seem to back this up. 

Does that mean we’ve no choice but to negotiate a new contract with current supplier or otherwise pay whatever rate it reverts to at the end? Surely that’s not fair

daveyjp

With no details of the current provider or the other provider options you have tried it is impossible to say.

JenniWren10

I am currently with OneStream via the ‘phone line’ and tried Zen and another provider to switch to. 

Only other option is Virgin Media via cable as far as I know. 

What I was trying to find out is if you really can’t change if the cabinet reaches capacity and where I’d stand with regards to contract price if it goes up. 

Hoenir

You chose from what's available or go without. 

JenniWren10

So is this a common thing? Is there any protection for consumers? 

Hoenir

Why would protection be required. If there's physical constraints and there's nothing that can be done immediately. It's not anyone's fault. Just the way it is. 

JenniWren10

But most people expect to be able to leave at the end of the contract when the price goes right up. If this is correct I can’t leave or I will not have any broadband supply. 

And there isn’t actually a physical constraint because I do have internet now via the same cabinet. 

400ixl

I assume you are on an exchange which is provided by OpenReach?

If your exchange or street box are full then you can face the issue you have as it will show as such to the ISPs, even though what you want to do is just switch an existing connection.

Typically you can only keep checking daily as there may be capacity come free (people move or cancel) or find an ISP who can work with the waitlist to proactively inform you when availability becomes free.

JenniWren10

400ixl said:

I assume you are on an exchange which is provided by OpenReach?

If your exchange or street box are full then you can face the issue you have as it will show as such to the ISPs, even though what you want to do is just switch an existing connection.

Typically you can only keep checking daily as there may be capacity come free (people move or cancel) or find an ISP who can work with the waitlist to proactively inform you when availability becomes free.

Thank you for a helpful response. 

JenniWren10

We aren’t keen to have another 12 month contract with OneStream but unless we do they will charge us £45 a month when the contract ends. 

born_again

JenniWren10 said:

So is this a common thing? Is there any protection for consumers? 

Openreach are in the process of switching to fibre, so any hope of upgrades to current limits is not going to happen. 

You did mention Virgin as a option.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/

Although look at cashback sites & you may get more cashback.

Other option is if you get a good mobile signal, you can look at mobile internet, till fibre is installed in your area.