What happens to your broadband when you move house?
Moving house certainly causes a lot of stress, but being concerned about your broadband service while you pack your belongings is something that does not have to happen. This advice guide will give you all you need to know about staying connected when you move house.
Most broadband providers will let you take your service with you. However, how do you make that happen, and does it make sense to look at your broadband alternatives when you move? Since your new location may have better connectivity, faster internet or a provider that offers lower rates, it’s worth taking the time to evaluate your broadband options.
Can you take your current broadband contract with you?
If you are happy with your current broadband service and are certain you want to take it with to your new location, you most likely will be able to do so. While the specifics vary among providers, most will want to keep your business and will help you make the transition. You can usually keep your phone number when you move as well. Just contact your broadband company, and they’ll make all the arrangements for you.
What are the consequences of breaking your broadband contract when you move?
While the impact of breaking your contract varies by provider, you usually will need to pay a fee to break the contract, and you might also be responsible for paying the remaining amount that you owe on your contract.
Even after your contract term is completed, you most likely will need to give your provider 30 days’ notice, so don’t wait until the last minute. Not informing your provider in a timely manner could result in a penalty charge or make you liable to pay for an additional month of service that you won’t use.
As there are many broadband deals available at low rates, it might be to your advantage to leave your current provider and sign-up with a new one. While you’ll have to spend a little time doing some number crunching, it could be time well spent.
Should you upgrade your service to fibre broadband?
If fibre broadband is available in your new location, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade. Fibre broadband offers some of the fastest connection speeds for uploads and downloads. Upgrading also lets you take advantage of new technology when it becomes available that will give you even faster speeds.
The downside to upgrading is that you may have pay slightly more for a fibre connection. Also, you may have to purchase a phone line even if you don’t need it, although some providers, such as Virgin Media, will not require this.
What if fibre broadband isn’t available at your new location?
If fibre broadband isn’t available, there are still many copper-line plans available from most providers.
Another option is to go wireless. Several networks, including EE, have plans that provide a wireless router for in-home use that receive 4G signals and then use the signals to operate a Wi-Fi router. You can then connect your device to the internet just like you would over a copper line.