Switching broadband providers

If you are already signed up to a broadband provider you can change your service by migrating, transferring your service or upgrading. Read on to find out more.

What is migrating?
Migrating is where you change to another broadband provider and in most cases you can also upgrade your speed at the same time. Please note your new supplier may charge an upgrade fee.

Migrating from cable broadband to ADSL broadband
If you wish to migrate from a cable broadband service to an ADSL broadband service, you will need:

• an active BT line
• a new modem which is compatible with an ADSL connection. You cannot use your cable modem
• there may be additional equipment required, e.g. a microfilter, USB connection or Ethernet connection, router, etc.

How much down time can I expect?
As BT and cable lines can run simultaneously, you will be able to keep your cable line running until your new ADSL service is activated. This will avoid any service loss during switching.

How long does it take to install ADSL broadband?
It can take an average of 10 days to install an ADSL service. Your start up package will be sent directly to your house and the connection will be directly activated by the provider.

Migrating from ADSL broadband to cable broadband
To migrate from ADSL broadband to cable broadband, you will need:

• Nothing – the cable provider will supply all the equipment that you will need to run broadband from your home computer. Your computer will need to match the stated specifications

There is no direct way to switch from ADSL to cable. This type of switch uses a different type of cable running into your home, other than your phone line. This switch will not affect your phone service and you can keep your BT phone line and number.

During the migration to cable broadband:

• You must first check your current contract and cancel your connection with your current ADSL broadband provider
• Cable broadband takes approximately 7 days to install
• An engineer will come to your home and install your broadband equipment

Is there any downtime?
As cable and BT lines can run simultaneously, you are able to keep your ADSL line running until your new cable broadband has been installed. This will avoid any service loss during switching.

Migrating to another ADSL provider
When you migrate to a new service provider your BT phone line will not be affected and, you will keep the same phone number. What you will need:

• A standard BT ADSL connection
• Your individual MAC code, which you can get from your current provider

How do you migrate to a new broadband provider?

• Check the terms and conditions of your current contract
• Call your current provider and inform them that you would like to migrate to another provider. Obtain your individual MAC code
• Contact your new provider and give them your MAC code and previous provider's details
• Your new provider will then contact your old provider and BT to arrange the transfer of your service

How much down time using a MAC code?
There should only be down time of approximately 20 minutes during the transfer of service.

What is upgrading?
Upgrading is when you increase your connection speed either with your current provider or a new provider.

Upgrading with your current ADSL broadband provider
Contact your ADSL provider and request a change in your package (some providers may charge for this service). Your package will be upgraded with minimum down time.

On most occasions you will not be breaking your contract by upgrading. However, some providers may start your minimum term contract again when you upgrade, so it always best to check the terms of your contract first.

Upgrading your connection changing to a different ADSL provider
It is now possible to upgrade directly to a new provider. In most cases you will need to migrate and the process is outlined above in Migrating to another ADSL provider. Some providers may charge you an upgrade fee, but this is not generally the case.

Upgrading your cable broadband connection
Firstly, check the terms and conditions of your contract to make sure that you are able to upgrade – Telewest, for example, state that you must have had your current package for 30 days before you can make any changes. Once you have upgraded you must wait another 30 days before you can upgrade again.

Use the uSwitch.com broadband switching service to upgrade your package on cable broadband.

You cannot upgrade between providers, as there will only be one cable provider in your area.