What Is One Touch Switch?

One Touch Switch is the UK broadband switching process that lets most residential broadband customers move provider by contacting the new provider only.

Broadband switching guide

Switch broadband by dealing with the new provider first

One Touch Switch is designed to remove the awkward part of changing broadband: coordinating your old and new provider yourself. In most residential broadband switches, your new provider starts and manages the switch after you give them the details they need.

One Touch Switch broadband process illustration with new provider, switching information, old provider cancellation and connected home router

Quick answer

What is One Touch Switch?

One Touch Switch is the UK process for moving most residential broadband and landline services. Instead of calling your old provider to cancel first, you contact the provider you want to move to. The new provider explains the switch, arranges the move and coordinates with the old provider.

You contact the new provider

Choose the new package and give your address and current provider details.

Your old provider sends key information

This can include early termination charges, notice details and bundle impacts.

You confirm before it proceeds

Read the switching information before choosing whether to go ahead.

The new provider manages the move

Where technically possible, the switch is arranged for your preferred date.

Important: One Touch Switch reduces switching admin, but you should still check contract end dates, early termination charges, bundled TV or phone services, provider email, equipment returns and any price rise terms.

If something goes wrong

One Touch Switch problems, delays and double billing

If your switch is delayed, fails, leaves you without service, or your old provider keeps billing you, use the dedicated problems guide before cancelling direct debits or placing a second order.

Before switching

Run a speed test before you blame the provider

If you are switching because broadband feels slow, test the connection first. A provider switch may help if a better service is available, but slow Wi‑Fi, router placement, evening congestion or upload saturation can follow you to the new provider.

  • Test beside the router to see what the line can deliver at short range.
  • Test in the problem room to check real Wi‑Fi performance.
  • Use Ethernet if possible to separate broadband speed from Wi‑Fi issues.
  • Save peak and off-peak results before comparing new packages.

How One Touch Switch works

The process is intended to make switching easier, quicker and more reliable. You do not normally need to arrange a separate cancellation call for the broadband service being switched.

1

Choose a new provider

Compare availability, monthly price, contract length, upload speed, router quality and any installation requirements.

2

Give your details

The new provider asks for details such as your address and current provider so the existing service can be matched.

3

Read the switching information

Your current provider sends information you need before confirming, such as charges and impacts on other services.

4

Confirm the switch

If you are happy with the information, confirm with the new provider and choose a preferred date where possible.

5

New service goes live

The new provider manages the switch and tells the old provider once the new service is working.

6

Check final billing

After the switch, check your final bill, equipment return instructions and any remaining services.

What to check before confirming

Early termination charges

If you are still inside a minimum term, check whether leaving early creates a fee.

Bundles

Broadband, landline, mobile and TV bundles can be affected differently. TV services may need extra attention.

Landline number

If you still use a landline, check number porting and whether any phone service changes matter to you.

Provider email

Some provider email accounts may be closed, charged for or changed after you leave.

Equipment returns

Routers, TV boxes or mesh nodes may need returning to avoid charges.

New price terms

Check introductory discounts, contract length, in-contract price rises and post-contract pricing.

Will you lose broadband during the switch?

One Touch Switch is designed to reduce avoidable downtime. A short interruption can still happen, especially where installation work, new equipment, number porting or a different network is involved. If you work from home or rely on broadband for calls, plan the switch date carefully.

If a switch goes wrong, keep records of order dates, promised start dates, appointment times, service loss and any messages from both providers. These details help if you need to raise a complaint or check potential compensation.

When One Touch Switch may not be enough on its own

Most residential broadband switches should follow the process, but you may still need to take extra care if you are moving a bundle, cancelling TV, changing business broadband, moving home, relying on a provider email address or deliberately wanting overlap between the old and new service.

You can choose to manage your own switch if you want overlap, but then the One Touch Switch process may not apply in the same way. That can be useful when you need a new line installed before cancelling the old service, but it also means you need to manage billing dates yourself.

Common One Touch Switch scenarios

ScenarioWhat to checkUseful next step
Out of contract and switching for priceNew monthly price, setup cost, router, contract length and future increasesCompare provider pages
Switching because broadband is slowWhether the issue is Wi‑Fi, evening congestion, upload speed or provider availabilityRun a speed test
Still in minimum termEarly termination charge and any exceptions shown in switching informationCheck leaving early
Broadband plus TV bundleWhether TV cancellation, equipment return or remaining services need separate actionWho cancels old broadband?
Need no downtime for workSwitch date, installation appointment, backup connection and whether overlap is saferHome working guide
Installation delayed or appointment missedOrder dates, promised activation, missed appointments and service loss evidenceEstimate compensation

One Touch Switch FAQs

What is One Touch Switch?

One Touch Switch is the UK broadband and landline switching process that lets most residential customers switch provider by contacting the new provider only.

Do I need to cancel my old broadband?

Usually no. The new provider manages the broadband switch and tells the old provider once the new service is working. Bundled services, especially TV, may still need extra attention.

What switching information should I receive?

Your current provider should send information such as early termination charges, the impact on other services and anything you should consider before confirming the switch.

Can I choose my switch date?

Where technically possible, the new provider should arrange the switch for your preferred date after you confirm that you want to proceed.

What happens if the switch goes wrong?

If things go wrong, such as being left without service for more than one working day or a missed appointment, compensation may apply under the relevant provider rules.

Does One Touch Switch apply to business broadband?

This guide is focused on residential broadband. Business contracts can have different terms, service levels and cancellation requirements, so check your contract carefully.

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