Moving home with broadband: what to do

Last reviewed: 22 March 2026

Short answer: check broadband availability at your new address as early as possible, ideally six to eight weeks before you move. Depending on coverage, contract status, and the speeds you need, you may be better off transferring your existing service, switching to a new provider, or using temporary mobile broadband to bridge a gap. Getting this right early avoids downtime, unexpected fees, and the scramble of sorting it on moving day.

At a glance

Start checking new-address coverage at least six weeks before you move.
You can transfer your current provider, switch to a new one, or use temporary mobile broadband, each suits different situations.
Book any engineer appointments early; full fibre installs can take two to four weeks to schedule.
If you work from home, plan a fallback connection for moving day and the first week.
Check your current contract end date and any exit fees before deciding.

Your three main options when moving

There is no single best approach. The right option depends on whether your current provider serves the new address, what speeds are available, and how your contract timing works out.

Option	When it fits	Advantages	Watch-outs
Transfer existing provider	Your provider serves the new address and you are happy with the service.	Simplest process, one phone call or online request. May keep your existing deal and avoid exit fees.	Some providers charge a transfer or re-activation fee. Your contract may reset to a new minimum term. Speed could differ if the new address is on a different network technology.
Switch to a new provider	Better speeds or value available at the new address, or your current provider does not cover it.	Chance to get a new-customer deal. Opportunity to upgrade to full fibre if available. One Touch Switch handles most of the process.	Early termination fees on your current contract may apply. New installation could take two to four weeks. You need to coordinate timing to minimise a gap in service.
Use temporary mobile broadband	Fixed-line install is delayed, or you only need a few weeks of cover between move-in and activation.	Available immediately if you have 4G/5G coverage. No engineer visit needed. Rolling monthly or pay-as-you-go options available.	Speeds depend on local mobile coverage and may vary at peak times. Data caps can be an issue for heavy use. Not a long-term replacement for a fixed line in most households.

Timeline: what to do and when

Use this timeline to stay ahead of deadlines. Adjust dates if your move is happening faster than six weeks out.

Six to eight weeks before

Check broadband availability at your new address using provider postcode checkers or our comparison tool.
Note your current contract end date and any early termination fees.
Decide whether to transfer, switch, or bridge with mobile broadband.

Two to four weeks before

Place your transfer or new provider order. If an engineer visit is needed, book it as close to your move-in date as possible.
If you are switching provider, your new provider will handle the process through One Touch Switch for most fixed-line services.
If you need temporary mobile broadband, order a SIM or dongle now so it arrives before moving day.
Request landline number porting during sign-up if you want to keep your number.

One week before

Confirm your engineer appointment date and time window.
Write down your current Wi-Fi name and password so you can replicate them on the new router if needed.
Check that your new router or equipment has been dispatched.

Moving day

Take your router and any provider equipment with you (do not leave it for the next occupant).
If your new connection is not yet live, use your mobile broadband fallback.
Be available for the engineer appointment if one is scheduled.

First week in the new home

Test your connection speed on Ethernet first, then on Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi is noticeably slower, the issue is likely coverage rather than line speed.
Return old equipment to your previous provider if required, use tracked delivery and keep proof of posting.
Check your first bill for unexpected charges, and set a reminder for the end of any cooling-off period.

What to check at your new address

Not all addresses have the same broadband options. Before committing to a provider, verify these three things.

Availability

Full fibre (FTTP) is expanding but still not universal. Some addresses only have standard fibre (FTTC) or ADSL. Use provider postcode checkers or our comparison tool to see exactly what is available at your new property, not just the postcode area, because coverage can vary street by street.

Installation requirements

If your new address has never had a full fibre connection, an engineer visit will be needed to install the fibre line. This can take two to four weeks to schedule and may involve external cabling work. For properties with existing Openreach infrastructure, a self-install with a posted router is often enough. Check installation times for typical lead times.

Mobile coverage

Even if you are getting a fixed line, check 4G and 5G coverage at the new address. A reliable mobile signal is useful as a fallback during any gap between moving in and activation, and it matters if you work from home.

Special cases

Renters

If you rent, check your tenancy agreement before ordering any installation that involves drilling or external cabling. Some landlords require written permission. For shorter tenancies, a rolling monthly contract or SIM-based broadband may be more practical than an 18- or 24-month fixed deal.

New-build properties

New builds sometimes have full fibre pre-installed by a specific network provider, which limits your initial choice. Check with the developer which network serves the property. If only one provider is available at first, others may follow once Openreach or alternative networks complete their build-out in the area.

Rural areas

In areas without fibre coverage, your options may be limited to ADSL, fixed wireless, or 4G/5G home broadband. Government-backed schemes such as Project Gigabit are extending coverage, but timelines vary by location. If speeds are very low, check whether a community fibre scheme or a voucher-funded connection is available in your area.

Common questions

Do I need to cancel my old broadband when I move?

If you are transferring your service to the new address, no, your provider moves the account. If you are switching to a new provider and both use fixed-line services, One Touch Switch handles the cancellation automatically. If you are on mobile broadband or a service outside the One Touch Switch process, you will need to cancel directly with your old provider.

Will I have to pay exit fees?

It depends on your contract. If you are still within your minimum term and you cancel rather than transfer, most providers charge early termination fees based on the remaining months. If you transfer to the same provider at your new address, exit fees usually do not apply, but check, because some providers treat a home move as a new contract. See our exit fees guide for details.

How long does it take to get broadband set up at a new address?

Self-install switches where the infrastructure is already in place can be active within a few days of your router arriving. New full fibre installations that need an engineer visit typically take two to four weeks to schedule. Cross-network moves may take a little longer. See broadband installation times for a fuller breakdown.

Can I keep my landline number when I move?

Sometimes, but not always. Porting a landline number to a new address depends on the exchange area. If your new home is served by the same telephone exchange, porting is usually straightforward. If it is a different exchange area, you may need a new number. Ask your provider early in the process.

What is the best way to avoid downtime when moving?

Order your new connection early enough that it is live on or before your move-in date. If that is not possible, keep a 4G/5G mobile broadband device as a fallback. For essential home workers, a short overlap between old and new services, even just a few days, can remove the risk entirely.

What to do next

Check broadband installation times to understand lead times for your type of connection.
Read the One Touch Switch guide if you are switching to a new provider rather than transferring.
Work through the broadband switch checklist to make sure you have covered every step.
Compare broadband deals by postcode to see what is available at your new address.

Compare broadband deals by postcode

Source note: this guide was reviewed against Ofcom's published guidance on switching and provider obligations under the General Conditions of Entitlement (GC C7). Last checked March 2026.