In this guide, we take a look at some of the most common questions we get asked about the broadband switching process so that you can switch and save without fear!
This FAQ article is the sixth guide in our seven-part guide series on how to find the best broadband deal on the market. This article aims to remove any confusion surrounding the broadband switching process.
Once you are equipped with this new information, you can explore the other articles listed at the bottom of this guide, so you can begin the broadband switching process with ease.
The way the industry works
Broadband providers keep their best deals for brand new customers by offering them heavily discounted broadband and TV for up to a year at a time.
However, once this discounted period ends you will be bumped up onto the provider's ‘standard price’, meaning you will be paying their top price for their broadband services.
To avoid this, we recommend switching provider each year so that you can avail of the discounts suppliers have to offer and save potentially hundreds of euro on your broadband bills.
1. Will I be penalised if I switch broadband provider?
It depends entirely on whether or not you’re still in contract. Most contacts last a minimum of 12 months but some can last up to two years.
If you’re out of contract then you’re free to shop around for the best deals and switch as you please.
However, if you're still in contract, you may have to pay a penalty fee for breaking your contract and this will vary from provider to provider. However, most providers will make you pay the outstanding balance, which is what you would have paid had you finished your contract normally.
So it’s usually best to just wait until your contract runs out.
2. Do I need to give my current supplier notice that I'm leaving?
Yes, you usually need to give your existing provider at least 30 days’ notice that you’re leaving. This can be done by email or by phone as most suppliers will not accept a cancellation request through social media.
Make sure to have your account number on hand as this is one of the first things you will be asked for.
You can find the cancellation numbers for the main broadband and TV providers in our guide on the switching process.
3. Do I need to cancel my existing service before switching?
You will need to let your existing provider know that you’re moving to a new broadband and TV supplier as neither bonkers.ie nor your old provider can do this for you.
But you have the freedom to let them know this before or after you make the switch. In fact, we recommend you contact your old supplier after your new broadband service is up and running in your home as it will guarantee continuity of service.
However, it's important to note that if you choose to do this you could end up paying for two broadband services during your first month but the long-term savings you make by switching providers will balance this out.
4. Is there a risk I could get cut off during the switching process?
This will depend on whether you are moving from one network to another, or staying on the same network but changing broadband provider.
There are currently 7 networks in Ireland. The different broadband retailers such as Sky or DigiWeb offer their services on these networks. Each network can host various retailers, and you can find many of the retailers offering their services on many of the networks.
If you choose a new broadband plan with a provider that is on the same network that you are currently on, it is unlikely that you will experience much disruption when switching provider.
However, if you are moving to a plan which is on a different network to the one your existing plan is on, you are more likely to experience a short period of disruption.
This will be felt during the period in which your current account is being closed with your existing provider and your new account is being set-up and opened. This could take a couple of days in some cases.
If you want to be 100% sure you don’t lose access to your WiFi, it’s recommended that you only cancel your current service after your new one is fully up and running.
5. Do I need to return my equipment when I switch?
Yes, you do.
Once you cancel your existing broadband service, you must return any broadband and TV equipment back to your initial supplier. This must be done within 30 days of your internet cancellation date.
Your old supplier will send you a letter or email outlining how you can do this.
6. How do I switch broadband provider?
You can discover how to switch broadband providers in our step-by-step guide on the topic.
Or you can contact a member of our customer service team on (01) 256 0500 who can talk you through the best deals and offers available to you.
7. What happens after I switch provider?
After you’ve signed up with your new supplier they’ll contact you by phone or email to confirm your order. When your new provider contacts you, they will:
- Check to ensure their service is available at your address
- Discuss installation options and fees
- Discuss delivery options for your new WiFi and/or TV equipment
Remember, after you switch, you’ll need to let your existing provider know that you want to cancel your service with them.
8. How much will I save by switching?
The amount you’ll save by switching depends on your existing plan and the offers that are available at the time of switching.
If you’re switching just broadband you could save from €150 to €250 over the course of a year. But if you’re switching broadband and TV you could be looking at savings in the region of €350 to €500, if not more.
9. Is it better to switch to a bundled deal or is it cheaper to get my broadband and TV from separate providers?
Bundling tends to be cheaper, particularly if you include a mobile package, but this isn’t always the case. Also, some bundled deals could see you paying for things like landline minutes which you may never actually use.
So, as always, do your research and shop around.
10. Can I change my mind?
If you change your mind after completing an application for a new provider, a cancellation or cooling-off period of 14 days applies during which you can cancel without incurring any penalties. This consumer right is enshrined under EU law and applies to all providers.
If you do cancel, it is a good idea to follow up in writing or by email so that it can be verified later if needed.
Compare broadband deals on bonkers.ie
Use our internet speed test tool to discover if it's time for you to update your broadband plan.
If it is, then all you have to do is simply pop your address into our broadband availability checker and we will provide you with a list of broadband plans you can sign up for.
Then choose what plan you would like to switch to so that you can begin your broadband savings journey on bonkers.ie today.
You can also cut the cost of your energy, banking, and insurance bills by taking advantage of the different comparison services that we offer on our site.
Get familiar with our other guides
If you require a more thorough insight into the broadband comparison and switching process, check out the other guides in this series.
- Our first guide provides an outline of the different articles in the series and what they focus on.
- Learn all about comparing broadband, TV and phone deals on our site.
- This step-by-step guide walks you through the switching process, and what you need to do once you have changed broadband suppliers.
- If you change your mind you can always cancel your broadband plan, you can read about how to do this in this guide.
- Get familiar with the most common broadband terms you will encounter when switching.
- Here are 7 important factors you should keep in consideration when choosing a new broadband plan.
Remember you can stay up to date with all the latest broadband, phone and TV news and top saving tips with our blogs and guides.
Need any help?
If you still have any questions regarding the switching process, reach out to our team. We are always happy to help! You can contact us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
