You might be able to save money by switching to:

• a new provider for your internet, mobile phone, landline or TV

• a bundle deal that’s made up of 2 or more of these services

There are different processes for switching your internet, phone or TV provider.

Before you switch

If you’re struggling to pay for your phone or internet, talk to your provider. Ask if they can offer you a cheaper deal. You can find their contact details on their website or on a letter from them.

You could tell your provider you’re thinking of switching to a cheaper deal with a different provider. Your provider might offer you a cheaper deal to get you to stay with them.

If you don’t want to stay with your current provider, find out if you’ll be charged an ‘exit fee’ to leave – check your contract or contact your provider. You’ll usually be charged an exit fee if you want to leave before the end of a fixed-term contract. This can be expensive, so it might be better to wait until your current contract ends. 

You can check if you’ll be charged an exit fee to leave your mobile contract by texting the word ‘INFO’ to 85075. It’s free to text this number. 

If you’re near the end of your contract, your provider should contact you to remind you. They’ll also let you know about their best available deals.

If you’re getting benefits

You might be able to get a cheaper internet, mobile or landline deal called a ‘social tariff’. It depends which benefits you get.

If your provider has a social tariff, you won’t have to pay to move to it. You can move at any time – you don’t have to wait until the end of your contract.

If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to another provider who does.

Check which providers offer social tariffs on the Ofcom website. You can then check the provider’s website to see if you can switch to their social tariff.

You’ll need to check that:

• you’re on the right benefits for the social tariff

• you’re the main account holder named on your contract 

• the social tariff package covers all the services you need

If you’re renting

Check your tenancy agreement – it might say you can’t switch internet, landline or TV provider. 

Ask your landlord for a copy of your tenancy agreement if you don’t have one or can’t find it.

If your tenancy agreement doesn’t say anything about switching TV providers, you should still check with your landlord. They might say you can’t switch TV providers if it involves drilling holes for cables or putting up a satellite dish.

Choosing a new contract

You should compare tariffs from different providers to find one that suits your needs and budget.

You should check:

• how long the contracts are for

• any charges for installation, line rental or connection

Sometimes you might be offered 6 or 12 months free or discounted – check how much the monthly fee will be after the offer ends. 

You might also want to think about getting a bundle – a deal with one provider that includes internet, landline and TV. They’re sometimes cheaper and will also simplify your monthly bills.

You’ll usually find better deals online than in shops or on the phone. Use a price comparison site approved by Ofcom – this means they’re independent and unbiased.

Switching to a new provider

Once you’ve found the right deal, you’ll need to sign up to your new contract. 

Before you switch, pay your final bill with the old provider or get a refund if you’re in credit.

The time it takes to switch depends on the provider. Your old and new provider will send you letters to tell you roughly when the switch will happen.

If you change your mind after switching

You might be able to cancel your contract without a fee within the first 14 days. This is called a ‘cooling off period’.

If you have a problem switching provider

If the switch is taking too long, contact your new provider to check when the switch will happen.

If you’ve switched but you’re still being charged by your old provider, contact both your old and new provider. Ask to follow their complaints procedure.