What changed
Ofcom required broadband and landline providers to support a “gaining provider-led” switching process across all fixed networks. It went live in September 2024, so you can now switch between, say, an Openreach-based provider, Virgin Media and a full fibre altnet without contacting your old provider first.
How it works
- Choose your new provider and order.
- Give your name, address and current provider (some may ask for an account number).
- Your new provider contacts the old one and sends you details of any exit fees or effects on other services.
- The switch happens on the agreed date; your old contract ends automatically.
Your protections
- You shouldn’t pay notice period charges after your switch date.
- You get clear information on any early exit fees before you commit.
- Providers in Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme pay out if a switch is delayed or an engineer misses an appointment.
Last updated: 9 October 2026
