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What happens when you switch?

Once you've chosen a new internet deal you'll receive some instructions from your new provider. These will include:

• Whether you need to inform your existing provider – If you are switching to or from Virgin Media you will need to inform your existing provider you are leaving. This is because all providers are on the Openreach network except for Virgin Media (and some smaller altnet providers you're unlikely to be able to get), and switching networks works differently
• Your switch date – Your old internet service will cease on the same day your new one gets up and running. There will not generally be a period where you don't have internet except during the moments when the routers are being swapped over or you're visited by an engineer
• The speed you'll be getting – Depending where you live and the type of internet you're getting your speed may vary considerably from the average quoted in the advertising. Sometimes you'll be faster, sometimes slower. If you're getting Virgin Media or Full Fibre internet you'll usually get exactly the speed quoted or better, however
• Instructions to send back your existing equipment – Most internet providers will want their router and any other gear they have loaned you (TV boxes also need to be sent back in most cases). Happily providers do make this quite easy. They will either post you the packaging you need to send it and then it's just a case of dropping it off at a local pick-up point