The first thing you should do is contact the provider you wish to switch to and they will be able to explain the process you need to follow.

One-stop Switch

If your current broadband service runs on the Openreach phone network, and you’re switching to another provider that also uses this network, you can follow a ‘one-stop’ switching process. (Companies that use the Openreach network include BT, EE, Sky, TalkTalk and Vodafone.)

Under this process, you don’t need to contact your current provider at all. Instead, your new provider can arrange the transfer for you. Once you’ve contacted your new provider to begin the switching process, both your new provider and old provider must both send you a letter to inform you of the switch.

Switching between Networks

If you’re switching to, or from, a fibre-to-the-premise or ‘full-fibre’ service or a provider that doesn’t use the Openreach network, you should contact both providers.

Switching a Bundle

If you use a bundle of services with a provider, for example home phone and broadband, you will usually follow one of the processes described above but if you also a TV service, there might be some differences – particularly if the switch involves cancelling a satellite TV service. Your new provider can give you information on this.

If you take a landline and broadband service from the same provider, switching your broadband provider is likely to mean switching your landline service at the same time. So make sure you’re happy to do so before signing up for one of these offers.

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.

Social tariffs can provide a safety net for customers who might be struggling to afford their broadband or phone services.

How a Social Tariff could help you

• It’s available to those on a variety of benefits. If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.
• It’s cheaper than a regular package. Current prices range from £10 to £20.
• Fast, unlimited broadband. Most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s – fast enough for you to keep in touch with friends and family, stream HD films or shop online.
• You’ll pay next-to-nothing to get set up. If you do have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.
• It could cost nothing to switch. If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.
• The price won’t go up mid-contract. You won’t pay any more than what you agree at the start of the contract.
• It costs nothing to leave. You won’t pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.

Check https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs for a list of Social Tariff Providers.