If you’re unhappy with your broadband provider, it may be worth switching to a better deal. We explain the charges you may encounter, and instances where you can leave your deal penalty-free.
Switching broadband providers can save you money each month. While it’s commonplace for some to reevaluate their options at the end of their fixed-term contract, what if you’ve just started a new deal?
In this article we explain:
Read more: Compare the best broadband deals in October 2023
Can I cancel my broadband contract early?
The short answer is yes, but depending on the terms and conditions you signed up to there could be a penalty.
Penalties vary according to the provider, but it usually involves paying off the remaining value of your contract. Broadband contracts can be as short as nine months but as long as two years.
Virgin Media, for example, charges between 93% and 96% of your monthly charge for a broadband-only agreement. So, if you have six months remaining on your contract you’ll need to hand in your 30 days’ notice and your “Early Disconnection Fee” will be charged on the remaining five month period.
It is worth noting that those who entered an agreement with Virgin Media prior to 4th April 2023 will have their early connection fee capped at £288 plus VAT.
When will you not be charged an exit fee?
There are some instances where you can avoid an exit fee altogether.
During the first 14 days of your contract
When you first take out a broadband contract you’ll enter something known as the “cooling off period.” During this time if you change your mind, and want to switch to another provider, then you can cancel your contract without incurring an exit-fee.
This period is usually 14 days, and starts the day after your contract begins.
If your initial term has expired
As mentioned, broadband contracts are usually fixed over a certain period. When this expires you can switch to a new provider without being charged an exit fee.
If the price has increased unexpectedly
Look at the terms and conditions of your contract. If your broadband provider hasn’t outlined how it will increase its prices during your fixed term and announces a hefty surge to your bill, then you can cancel your contract without paying an exit fee.
Most broadband providers state in your contract that they’ll increase your bill in line with inflation, so remember to compare any increases to this figure.
In addition, Citizen’s Advice say you won’t be able to cancel without a fee if you signed up to the contract before 23 January 2014, or you were notified of an increase before entering your agreement. An example of this is if your broadband provider offers a lower “introductory rate” for the first three months of a 24 month contract.
You’re having slow service
Have you been promised blistering internet speeds of 1,000 mbps? If your provider consistently fails to keep their end of the deal then you could switch to a new broadband contract penalty free.
Get in contact with your broadband provider first; they’ll need to be given an opportunity to put the situation right. If after a certain period – usually a month – the situation hasn’t been rectified, you’ll be able to leave your contract penalty-free.
Can I cancel my broadband if I’m moving house?
If you’re moving house, the first step is to see if your provider offers their services in your area. Even the biggest broadband providers aren’t connected across the entirety of the UK, so you may struggle to get service with them if you’re moving to a rural part of the country. So make sure:
- Your broadband provider is present in the area
- It offers the right technology in the area. For example, if you were on a full fibre deal, make sure there is fibre optic cabling in your area.
If they do offer the same services in this area, then you should be able to transfer your account across for a fee. If not, you may have to pay an exit fee to move to a new provider.
In these cases it is always worth speaking to your provider to see if they’ll waive the fee or let you move to a different package at a new rate.
Remember, broadband contracts remain on your credit score
If you fail to repay your broadband contract, your provider can report these missed payments to the three credit referencing agencies. This will damage your credit score, and may affect your ability to take out a favourable interest rate in the future. To learn more about your credit score, visit our guide.
How to cancel your broadband
If you’ve decided that cancelling your broadband contract is right for you, then you’ll need to get in touch with your provider. In the table below list some things to know if you’ve partnered with one of the biggest providers in the UK.
We’ve also included helpful links to your provider’s website with more information:
| How to cancel broadband with: | Early termination charges | Minimum notice period | How to get in contact |
| Sky | Between £3.81 and £25.13 a month | 14 days | Online or via the phone |
| BT (Includes EE) | Depends on your contract | 30 days | Phone |
| Virgin Media | Between 78% and 99% of your current monthly charge until the end of your contract | 30 days | Online, in writing, or via the phone |
| Vodafone | Depends on your contract | 30 days | Online or via the phone |
| Talktalk | Between £10.20 and £19.20 a month | 30 days | In writing or via the phone |
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