The good news is: you can switch broadband at any time.
The catch is that switching early may come with early exit fees, depending on your contract and situation.
This guide explains exactly how switching mid-contract works, when you can switch for free, and how to decide whether switching early is actually worth it.
Yes, you can switch broadband before your contract ends.
In most cases, you’ll need to pay an early exit fee, but there are situations where you can switch without paying anything, such as after a price rise or near the end of your contract.
Whether switching early makes sense depends on how much the fee is and what you’d gain by switching.
Most UK broadband contracts run over typical contract lengths of:
During this period, you agree to stay with the provider in exchange for a lower monthly price or an introductory offer.
If you leave before the minimum term ends, the provider usually charges an early termination fee to recover the remaining value of the contract.
This doesn’t mean switching is blocked, it just affects the cost.
Early exit fees (also called early termination charges) are what a provider charges if you cancel your broadband before your contract ends.
They’re typically based on:
In simple terms, many providers charge the remaining monthly cost, sometimes with a small reduction.
There’s no single fixed amount, but here’s a rough guide:
For example, if you have:
Your exit fee might be close to £180, though some providers reduce this slightly.
This is why timing matters.
There are situations where you can switch before your contract ends without paying a penalty.
After a mid-contract price rise
If your provider increases your monthly price during your contract, UK regulations usually give you the right to leave without exit fees, as long as you act within the notice period.
This is one of the most common ways people switch early for free.
Near the end of your contract
Most providers allow you to switch in the final 30–60 days without penalty.
At this point, you’re effectively out of the minimum term, even if the contract hasn’t fully expired yet.
If your provider breaches the contract
If your broadband consistently fails to meet guaranteed minimum speeds, or there are unresolved service issues, you may be able to leave without penalty, though this usually requires raising the issue formally first.
Sometimes, yes.
For example, paying a £120 exit fee might still be worth it if switching saves you £20 per month over the next year.
If you decide to switch early:
You don’t normally need to cancel manually. But, it’s important to check what your current provider requires.
In most cases, no.
Broadband switching is usually coordinated so your existing service stays active until the new one goes live. Any downtime is typically minimal, especially when switching on the same network.
Switching to full fibre for the first time may involve an engineer visit, which can affect timing. However, providers aim to keep disruption to a minimum.
Before making any decision, it’s important to know exactly where you stand.
You can usually find your contract end date:
If you’re unsure, contacting your provider directly is the safest way to confirm.
Before committing to a switch, it’s worth taking a moment to check a few key details.
Start by confirming your contract end date so you know exactly where you stand. Then, ask your current provider what early exit fees would apply if you left now, as this can vary depending on how much time is left on your contract.
It’s also a good idea to think about whether your broadband needs have changed.
For example, if you’re working from home more or struggling with reliability. Finally, look at the long-term cost of switching rather than focusing only on the monthly price, as a slightly higher monthly cost can still work out better over time.
Doing this helps you avoid switching too early — or missing a chance to switch without paying any fees.
If you’re close to the end of your contract, waiting a few weeks may save you money.
If you’re months away and struggling with poor service, switching early might still be the better option.
There’s no single right answer. It’s about balancing cost, reliability, and convenience.
Yes. You can switch broadband at any time, even if you’re still in contract. The main thing to check is whether early exit fees apply, as these can affect whether switching early is worth it.
In most cases, yes. Unless, you’re switching after a mid-contract price rise or you’re near the end of your minimum term. The exact fee depends on how many months are left on your contract and your monthly price.
You can usually avoid exit fees by switching:
Always check with your provider before switching.
Usually not. Most switches are coordinated so your current broadband stays active until the new service goes live. Any downtime is typically very short, if there’s any at all.
Sometimes. Switching early can make sense if your broadband is unreliable, full fibre becomes available, or the long-term savings outweigh the exit fee. It’s best to compare the total cost rather than just the monthly price.
You can usually find your contract end date in your online account, on your monthly bill, or in your original order confirmation. If you’re unsure, your provider can confirm it for you.
No. Switching broadband does not affect your credit score, as long as you pay any final bills or exit fees on time.
Yes. Switching to full fibre is often treated as a new installation, even if you’re mid-contract. An engineer visit may be required, but your new provider will usually manage the process.
In most cases, no. Your new provider usually handles the cancellation as part of the switch. It’s still a good idea to check your final bill to make sure everything is closed correctly.
