When you’re moving to a new property in London, making arrangements to transfer broadband and other utilities can prove time-consuming if you get it wrong.
While it should be as simple as transferring your existing deal, you might need to switch to a new broadband provider. You could also be moving from a Virgin Media area to one relying on Openreach networks, or vice versa.
We’ve collaborated with the folks at Broadband Genie to bring you this guide to managing your broadband when you move home. This guide will help you save money and help you have one less thing to worry about during a stressful time.
Before you move, perhaps even before you agree to buy or rent, check the coverage at the new address. Who is the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and what speed does it offer? You can find this out by using a postcode search tool. Simply input each postcode and make a note of the details for comparison. Your provider can also give you this information, but will only tell you about their services so you won’t necessarily get the full picture.
Next, speak to your current ISP. If the broadband provider will let you transfer the package, everything should be straightforward. However, if there is no option but to cancel your existing broadband deal, find out what costs are involved.
It’s preferable to take your broadband with you when you move. At the very least it is easy to arrange, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Your five-minute research into broadband speed in the area you’re moving to should determine whether or not it is a Virgin Media area or one supplied by the Openreach fibre broadband network. Some areas are both, but not all properties are connected to both networks.
If you suspect you can keep your broadband, it is time to get in touch with your ISP to arrange the details. You’ll need to provide your move date and arrange for the new property to be connected to your ISP’s network. This should be straightforward in most cases; for example, Talk Talk, Plusnet, EE and others all run on the Openreach network infrastructure, so if there is a standard BT phone connection in the property it might even be as easy as plugging in your existing router.
Arranging this should take just a few minutes on the phone. The process shouldn’t be more than 7-10 days in most cases, which should give you plenty of time to make the request in advance of moving. Often you’ll be able to take existing equipment (such as your broadband router and TV box) with you. However, remember that the house you’re moving to will be disconnected when the account is transferred. Be sure to have a mobile phone handy, just in case!
Being forced to switch broadband when you move because the current provider cannot service the property can add complications. It’s important to understand what you can and cannot do.
To find out if you can port your existing package to your new property, speak to the broadband provider. If you’re close to the end of the contract, they may be flexible as long as you’re giving 30-days’ notice. However, in most cases, a disconnection charge will be payable.
However, don’t look upon this as a disaster. You might actually be able to save money with a new deal and get faster internet into the bargain. This could happen if you were previously locked into a maximum speed on a 12-, 18-, or 24-month contract, for example.
To learn more about this, contact your ISP and find out if cancelling early is likely to be costly. Then check the details of packages at the new address.
By the time you’re done, you should know everything there is to know about which internet packages are available and be ready to sign up for superfast broadband at your new home.
