Timing a switch date right

Clicker9180

My Virgin Media contract will end in a bit over 30 days and the price will double. I want to switch to another provider like Vodafone or Sky. Virgin Media cannot match their price, I already called the cancellation line. I saw that most providers offer to automate the switch so that you don't have any downtime or overlap in contracts. However, I need a new line installed as my house only has a Virgin Media line as far as I know. 

I tried switching to Sky but they only showed me some dates for the line install within a 2-week window which would then probably mean I have to pay an early exit fee to Virgin Media for existing a little bit too early. On the other hand, if I wait until my contract ends and then switch provider, it will take a few weeks for the installation of the new line to go ahead and so I will have to pay the ridiculous out-of-contract price for Virgin Media. 

So I'm not sure what is the best approach. When should I start switching?

vacheron

You won't have to pay an early exit fee. Just run both contracts in parallel. As long as you pay your last bill in full to virgin you will be fine, they don't care if you don't use their services, just that you pay your full contract bill. 

Also, if you have a land line, elect to keep your number. The new provider will almost immediately contact Virgin to instigate the landline number swich. You will then get a call from Virgin's "proper" retentions team who will offer you a much better deal to stay.  

If you like Virgin's new better offer, simply cancel your new provider in the 14 day cooling off period.

iniltous

There may also be a delay in the new service being provided if they hit snags , it’s not viable to get these things timed perfectly, you getting cease Virgin on the last day of the minimum term , and the new provider has their network installed and ready to go on that exact date as well is not easy to arrange …..what’s more , if the change was a few days earlier than the final Virgin date so you paid a few days ETC , or the new service was installed a few days later than ideal , meaning you paid Virgin a few days at the out if contract price , it’s only going to be a few quid extra .
 

What’s more important to you , having a no break in broadband so it’s always available from either the new company or Virgin, if that is more important that trying to save around £10, getting rid of Virgin on the last day of the minimum term ,
Personally I’d pick a date as close to the minimum term expiration as you can , but accept that it won’t be a financially perfect change , there will be a few days of paying for two service , or a few days ETC or a few days at the out of contract price …it’s not worth the stress for a few ££