Out of contract and missed the email? You can switch today, with no fee
Out of contract? Three answers No fee, no awkward phone call, and a better deal is usually waiting. Can I switch today without a fee? Yes, no exit fee Once your minimum term has ended, there's no early termination charge. You can leave on one month's notice. Do I have to ring my old provider? No, just the new one With One Touch Switch, you only speak to your new broadband provider, and it arranges the rest. Can I get money back for the overpaying? Usually not If the end-of-contract notice went to the email on your account, there's no right to a refund. If it was never sent, you can complain.
If your broadband deal has ended, you're out of contract, and you can switch today with no exit fee. You don't have to ring your old provider: under One Touch Switch you contact only your new provider, and Ofcom says you don't pay notice charges for the old service after the switch date. Providers must send an end-of-contract notice 10 to 40 days before your deal ends, by text, email or letter, and a best-deals reminder at least once a year after that. If that notice went to an email address you don't check, you usually can't claim the extra back, but if it was never sent you can complain. On average, in-contract customers pay £7 to £9 a month less, so the sooner you move, the sooner you stop overpaying.
See what you could be paying instead
Out of contract means no exit fee. Check the deals for your exact address in a couple of minutes.
- ✓Enter your postcode and pick your address
- ✓Each deal shows its full contract cost
- ✓Your new provider handles the switch
Prefer to talk it through? Call us on 0330 122 1223
Key facts, verified 21 October 2026
- Once a broadband contract rolls on after its minimum term, you can end it on one month's notice and pay only the service fees for that month (Ofcom, General Condition C1.22, version from 8 April 2026).
- Providers must send an end-of-contract notice 10 to 40 days before your deal ends, by text, email or letter, saying you can leave with no early termination charge (Ofcom).
- Out-of-contract customers must get a best-deals reminder at least once in every 12-month period (General Condition C1.34).
- Providers only have to keep a record of each notice, and the date it was sent, for at least 12 months (General Conditions C1.29 and C1.36).
- 28% of broadband customers were out of contract for at least one service in June 2025 (Ofcom, February 2026).
- In-contract customers spent about £7 to £9 a month less than out-of-contract customers in 2025: £7.20 for broadband only, £7.84 with a landline and £9.28 with pay TV (Ofcom).
- 3,431,195 people had started a One Touch Switch by 3 September 2026, contacting only their new provider (Ofcom, 12 September 2026).
- With One Touch Switch, Ofcom says customers don't pay notice-period charges for the old service beyond the switch date.
- 18% of households switched internet provider in the year to 2025, up from 14% in 2023 (Ofcom).
- Broadband and phone social tariffs cost £10 to £24 a month for people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits (Ofcom, updated 2 October 2026).
Who this is for: anyone whose broadband bill has crept up and who suspects their deal ended a while ago. We've told it through a dad in Swindon whose bill has gone past £50 a month. His deal ended two years ago, and the end-of-contract email went to an inbox he never checks. He's an example built from the calls we take every week, not a real customer, but his two questions are the ones we hear most: can I switch today without paying a fee, and do I have to ring my old provider to cancel?
Can I switch today without paying a fee?
Direct answer: Yes. Once your minimum term has ended, there's no early termination charge, and you can end a rolling contract on one month's notice.
That's set out in Ofcom's General Conditions, the rules every UK broadband provider has to follow. When a contract rolls on after its minimum term, you can end it on one month's notice and pay only the normal service fees for that month. Your end-of-contract notice should have told you exactly that. And if you switch using One Touch Switch, Ofcom says you don't pay notice charges for the old service after the switch date.
Leaving when you're out of contract: what you will and won't pay £0 Exit fee There's no early termination charge once your minimum term has ended (General Condition C1.22). £0 Notice charges after the switch With One Touch Switch, you don't pay for the old service beyond the switch date (Ofcom). Your usual price Final bill You pay the old provider up to the day you switch, at your current price. Free to send back The old router Return it with the free label. BT, for example, charges £65 or £85 if a hub isn't back within 60 days (BT). Check separately TV or mobile contracts A separate TV or mobile contract can carry on. Your old provider must tell you before you confirm.
The router is the one to watch. Most providers lend it to you, so send it back with the free label. Our router return guide covers each provider's rules.
Do I have to ring my old provider to cancel?
Direct answer: No. Under One Touch Switch you contact only your new broadband provider, and it arranges the switch, including stopping the old service.
One Touch Switch started on 12 September 2024, and by 3 September 2026 3,431,195 people had started a switch this way, according to Ofcom. You give the new provider a few details, your old provider sends you switching information, including any charges, and you confirm. On switch day the new service starts and the old one stops, and any gap should be no more than a working day.
One Touch Switch: you only talk to your new provider You Pick a new deal and give the new provider your name, address and current provider New provider Finds your line and your account through the industry switching hub Old provider Sends you switching information, including any charges You Read it, then confirm. Ask to keep your landline number if you want it Switch day Your new service starts and the old one stops. Any gap should be no more than one working day
Two things sit outside it. A separate mobile contract switches on its own, by texting PAC to 65075. A TV package may carry on unless you end it, and your switching information should say what happens to it. Our One Touch Switch guide covers the detail.
How much has being out of contract cost me?
Direct answer: On average, in-contract customers paid £7 to £9 a month less than out-of-contract customers in 2025. Over two years, that's roughly £173 to £223.
Our dad in Swindon isn't unusual. More than one in four broadband customers are out of contract, usually on a price that has crept up year by year.
More than one in four broadband customers are out of contract 28% of broadband customers were out of contract for at least one service in June 2025. That's unchanged on the year before. It's down from about four in ten in 2019, before end-of-contract notices were introduced.
Two years out of contract: the average extra cost
Those are averages, so your own gap could be bigger. Prices on rolling contracts still rise every year: BT, for example, says out-of-contract plans rise on 1 March each year, by £4 a month for broadband this year. Ofcom's ban on inflation-linked rises protects the price written into a contract, so once your contract ends, the best protection is moving to a new one. Our Loyalty Penalty report explains the gap in depth.
In Swindon: full fibre is on most streets, and most people haven't moved yet 84,000+ Swindon homes and businesses that can get Openreach full fibre About 78% of properties in the town Under 40% of them have upgraded so far Other networks may reach your street too. Your postcode search on BroadbandSwitch.uk shows every deal for your address, and Ofcom's broadband checker shows what speeds are available.
Why didn't anyone tell me my deal had ended?
Direct answer: They should have. Providers must send an end-of-contract notice 10 to 40 days before your deal ends, by text, email or letter, and a best-deals reminder at least once a year after that.
Two years out of contract means you should have had the end-of-contract notice and at least two best-deals reminders. The catch is that the rules require the provider to send them, not for you to read them. If they went to an old email address, the provider has still done its job.
The notices you should have had, and when Your deal starts A fixed price for the minimum term, up to 24 months. End-of-contract notice Sent 10 to 40 days before the end, by text, email or letter. It tells you the end date, what you'll pay next, and your provider's best deals. Your deal ends If you do nothing, it rolls on at the out-of-contract price, and you can leave on one month's notice. Best-deals reminder At least once in every 12-month period while you're out of contract. Another reminder Two years out of contract means at least two of these.
What your end-of-contract notice must tell you It has to arrive by text, email or letter, and on its own, not tucked inside a bill or another message. Search your inbox and spam for words like "contract" and "best deals".
So the most useful five-minute job, whatever you decide, is putting an email address you actually read on your broadband account. Then the next notice lands where you'll see it.
Can I get money back for the time I overpaid?
Direct answer: Usually not, if the notice was sent to the email on your account. If it was never sent, you can complain, and take it free to an ombudsman scheme if it isn't sorted.
There's no rule that refunds the difference between out-of-contract and in-contract prices. But providers do have to send those notices, and keep a record of each one, with the date, for at least 12 months. So if you're sure nothing ever came, ask your provider when each notice was sent, and to which address.
Can I get money back? It depends on one question Yes, to the email on my account No, or I'm not sure Worth knowing: providers only have to keep a record of each notice for 12 months, so ask sooner rather than later.
Our complaints guide explains how to escalate, step by step, and the six-week deadline that now applies. Whatever happens with the complaint, don't wait for it to finish before you move. Switching today stops the extra cost now.
Should I haggle or switch?
Direct answer: Either can work. Ofcom says many out-of-contract customers could save by simply talking to their current provider, but you'll get a better result if you know the deals at your address first.
In the year to 2025, 35% of households negotiated a new deal with their provider or changed their services, and 18% switched provider, up from 14% in 2023 (Ofcom). Haggling suits you if you're happy with the service. Switching suits you if you're not, or if your provider won't budge. Ofcom also says many people can move to full fibre and pay the same, or less, than they pay now for an older connection.
Haggle or switch? Both start with knowing the deals at your address
Ask your provider for a new deal Switch to a new provider What you do Ring or chat to your current provider and ask for its best price Order from the new provider. It handles the switch Best when You're happy with the service and they'll match the market Your speed or service isn't good enough, or they won't budge Your contract A new contract, with a contract summary first. Up to 24 months A new contract, with a contract summary first. Up to 24 months Change of mind 14 days to cancel if you agree it by phone or online 14 days to cancel if you order by phone or online What helps Knowing the deals at your address before you call Comparing on total contract cost, not the first month
Either way, check the total contract cost, not just the first month, and read the contract summary before you agree. You'll have 14 days to change your mind if you sign up by phone or online. Our haggling guide has the words to use on the call.
Know your number before you haggle
It's much easier to ask for a better price when you know what's on offer. Find the best deal at your address first.
- ✓Every deal for your address, side by side
- ✓Full contract cost, including set price rises
- ✓No sign-up needed to look
Prefer to talk it through? Call us on 0330 122 1223
What about my email address?
Direct answer: If your email address comes from your broadband provider, sort it before you switch. Some providers let you keep it, some charge, and some are closing their email services.
Got an email address from your broadband provider? Sort it first Virgin Media Virgin Media is moving its email to a new company, Junara, and contacting customers in batches. If you don't sign up in time, you lose access. Our Junara guide explains your deadline. TalkTalk Current customers are unaffected, and TalkTalk says it will contact anyone leaving if they need to act. Former customers had to sign up to Everymail to keep their address (TalkTalk). BT When you leave, you can keep free Basic email, or pay £7.50 a month for Premium. You have 60 days after leaving to upgrade (BT). Any provider Move your bank, GP, council and other important accounts to an address you control before you switch, and download anything you need.
Could I pay even less?
Direct answer: If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or some other benefits, you may qualify for a social tariff, from £10 to £24 a month.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone deals for people on certain benefits. Ofcom keeps the official list, and our social tariffs guide checks each one on the provider's own site. The person getting the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.
How do I switch today?
Direct answer: Check you're out of contract, fix your email, compare deals for your address, then order with your new provider and let it handle the rest.
Switch today, in six steps Check you're out of contract Look at your bill or app, or search your inboxes and spam for "contract ending" or "best deals". Fix your email first Put an address you read on your broadband account, and move any provider email you rely on. Compare deals for your address Look at the total contract cost, including any set price rises, not just the first month. Order with your new provider It handles One Touch Switch. Say if you want to keep your landline number. Read the switching information, then confirm Your old provider sends it, including any charges. Deal with mobile or TV separately if needed. Send the old router back and set a reminder Use the free label. Then put a reminder in your calendar 40 days before your new deal ends.
What should I do now?
Today: two minutes
Check your bill or app to confirm you're out of contract, and put an email address you read on the account.
This week: compare, then choose
Compare deals for your address, then either switch or ring your provider and ask it to match.
After you switch: never miss it again
Send the router back and put a reminder in your calendar 40 days before the new deal ends.
Stop overpaying from this month
Compare deals for your exact address, then let your new provider do the rest.
- ✓No exit fee once you're out of contract
- ✓No need to ring your old provider
- ✓Keep your number if you want it
In summary
- Out of contract means no exit fee: you can leave on one month's notice.
- You don't have to ring your old provider. Your new provider handles the switch.
- With One Touch Switch, you don't pay notice charges for the old service after the switch date.
- If the end-of-contract notice went to your account email, there's usually no refund, but if it was never sent you can complain.
- Sort any provider email address first, and send the old router back.
- Compare on total contract cost, then switch or ask your provider to match.
Alex's closing thought
We hear some version of this call every single week, and there's always a bit of embarrassment in it, as if missing the email was a failing. It isn't. Life is busy, inboxes fill up, and an email from your broadband provider is easy to miss. The good news is that the fix takes minutes, not weeks: no exit fee, no awkward call to the old provider, and in a lot of cases a faster connection for less than you're paying now. So don't spend another month feeling cross about the last two years. Check your address, pick the deal that suits your house, and let the new provider do the rest. And if you'd like a hand, ring us. That's what we're here for.
Keep going: the guides behind this article
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Martin-Smith, A. J. (2026, October 21). Out of contract and missed the email? You can switch today, with no fee. BroadbandSwitch.uk. https://broadbandswitch.uk/insights/out-of-contract-broadband-switch-today/ In a sentence: BroadbandSwitch.uk's October 2026 guide explains that UK broadband customers whose minimum term has ended can leave with no early termination charge on one month's notice, need contact only their new provider under One Touch Switch, and usually have no right to a refund if their provider sent the end-of-contract notice, with Ofcom data showing in-contract customers paid £7 to £9 a month less in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my broadband with no fee if I'm out of contract?
Yes. Once your minimum term has ended there's no early termination charge. Ofcom's rules let you end a rolling contract on one month's notice, paying only the normal service fees for that month.
Do I need to cancel my old broadband when I switch?
Usually not. Under One Touch Switch you contact only your new broadband provider, and it arranges the switch. Your old provider sends you switching information, then the old service stops on switch day. You only need to deal with a separate TV or mobile contract yourself.
Will I pay for two providers at once?
Only up to the switch day. With One Touch Switch, Ofcom says you don't pay notice-period charges for the old service beyond the switch date. You'll get a final bill from your old provider covering the time up to the switch.
How much notice do I have to give when I'm out of contract?
Ofcom's General Conditions give you the right to end a rolled-on contract on one month's notice. If you switch with One Touch Switch, you don't pay for the old service after the switch date.
Should my provider have told me my contract had ended?
Yes. Providers must send an end-of-contract notice 10 to 40 days before your deal ends, by text, email or letter. After that, they must send a best-deals reminder at least once in every 12-month period while you're out of contract.
Can I get a refund for being out of contract?
Usually not, if your provider sent the end-of-contract notice to the contact details on your account. If you believe it was never sent, complain and ask for the dates. If it isn't sorted after six weeks, you can take it free to the Communications Ombudsman or CISAS.
How do I find out if I'm out of contract?
Check your latest bill or your provider's app, or search your inboxes and spam for messages about your contract ending or best deals. You can also ask your provider for your contract end date.
Is it better to haggle or switch?
Either can work. Ofcom says many out-of-contract customers could save by simply talking to their current provider and signing a new deal. Compare deals for your address first, so you know what a fair price looks like before you call.
What happens to my email address if I switch broadband?
It depends on the provider. BT lets leavers keep free Basic email or pay £7.50 a month for Premium. Virgin Media is moving its email to Junara. Move your important accounts to an address you control before you switch.
Can I keep my landline number when I switch?
Yes, in most cases. Tell your new provider you want to keep your number when you order, and it will move it across as part of the switch.
Do I have to send my old router back?
Often, yes, and it's usually free with a prepaid label. BT, for example, charges £65 or £85 if a hub isn't returned within 60 days of you stopping using it, and refunds the charge if you send it back within two years.
Can I get cheaper broadband if I'm on benefits?
You may qualify for a social tariff if you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or some other benefits. Ofcom says they cost £10 to £24 a month, and the person getting the benefit must be the main person on the contract.
References
- BT. (n.d.-a). How to return and recycle your BT Broadband hub and BT TV box. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.bt.com/help/tv/how-to-return-and-recycle-your-bt-broadband-hub-and-bt-tv-box-fo
- BT. (n.d.-b). Price changes explained. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.bt.com/help/account-and-billing/price-changes-explained
- BT. (n.d.-c). What happens to my email address when my BT Broadband service stops? Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.bt.com/help/email/what-happens-to-my-email-address-when-my-bt-broadband-service-st
- Ofcom. (n.d.). Guidance under General Condition C1: Contract requirements [PDF]. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/uncategorised/7773-review-general-conditions/associated-documents/guidance-under-general-conditions-c1-contract-requirements.pdf?v=322037
- Ofcom. (2024, September 12). Simpler broadband switching is here. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/simpler-broadband-switching-is-here
- Ofcom. (2026a, February 26). New Ofcom research reveals how to cut phone and internet bills (updated 30 June 2026). Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/bills-and-charges/new-ofcom-research-reveals-how-to-cut-phone-and-internet-bills
- Ofcom. (2026b, February 26). Pricing and consumer engagement: Trends in the UK communications sector [PDF]. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/research-and-data/multi-sector/pricing/2025/pricing-and-consumer-engagement-report.pdf?v=413104
- Ofcom. (2026c, April 8). General Conditions of Entitlement: Unofficial consolidated version [PDF]. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/general-conditions-of-entitlement---unofficial-consolidate-version.pdf?v=390446
- Ofcom. (2026d, September 12). Around 3.5 million Brits hit switch amidst cost-of-living concerns. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/around-3.5-million-brits-hit-switch-amidst-cost-of-living-concerns
- Ofcom. (2026e, October 2). Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs
- Openreach. (2025, August 8). Broadband boost for 84,000 Swindon homes and businesses. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.openreach.com/news/broadband-boost-for-84000-swindon-homes-and-businesses/
- TalkTalk. (n.d.). Email transition FAQs. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://help-centre.talktalk.co.uk/Email/Find_info_or_guidance_about_my_Email/Email_Transition_FAQs
- Virgin Media. (n.d.). How to manage my Virgin Media email account. Retrieved 21 October 2026, from https://www.virginmedia.com/help/broadband/manage-email-account
Written by Dr Alex J. Martin-Smith, Founder (LinkedIn). Reviewed by Adrian James, Broadband Editor at BroadbandSwitch.uk (LinkedIn). Published 21 October 2026. The dad in Swindon is an illustrative example built from the calls we take, not a real customer. BroadbandSwitch.uk is an independent comparison site and is not a broadband provider. Prices vary by address, provider and sign-up date, and the rules quoted are Ofcom's as in force on the date shown. This is general information, not legal advice. Corrections are logged publicly.