Why switch your broadband provider?
There are lots of broadband providers available in Ireland, all competing with each other to offer the cheapest deal, super-fast connections or free add-ons like Amazon Prime video or Sports Passes.
By switching to a different provider you could enjoy:
- Cheaper monthly costs
- Faster download speeds
- Larger download limits
- Better customer service
- Free add-ons or equipment
Broadband-only deal of the month
This plan from Vodafone offers part fibre broadband with speeds of up to 100Mbps.
It comes with:
- Unlimited broadband usage allowance
- All equipment, delivery and installation free of charge.
Vodafone was voted Best Value Broadband Provider at the 2021 Switcher.ie Broadband Awards, so if you want great customer service, quality internet and value for money this could be the deal for you.
Broadband and phone deal of the month
If you’d like to add your phone to your broadband plan, there are lots of broadband and phone bundles on the market.
One of the best broadband and phone deals is this bundle from Vodafone which offers:
- Unlimited broadband with speeds up to 100Mb
- Unlimited calls to Irish landlines
Plus you’ll get all the equipment you need for free, and the option to keep your existing phone number.
Triple-play deal of the month
Streaming services may be better than ever, but there are some great digital TV bundles up for grabs too.
If you add digital TV to your broadband and phone bundle you’ll get features like:
- Access to exclusive content
- Ability to pause, rewind & record live TV
- Access to content on the go
Sky TV is a popular choice and if you’re a keen movie buff and TV lover, this plan is ideal. It comes with:
- Unlimited broadband with speeds of up to 100Mb
- 90 channels & access to the latest Sky Originals
- Includes Netflix & Sky Box Sets
- Unlimited off-peak calls to Irish landlines.
Sky TV plans come with a Sky Q 1TB box where you can choose a range of add-ons like Disney+, Sky Kids and Sky Sports.
Before switching your provider
Before you switch, contact your current provider to tell them you’re considering a change.
Some providers may try to pull out all the stops to keep you. If you tell them you’re planning to leave, it could lead to a new offer at a cheaper price.
Their offer to keep you as a customer may seem generous but weigh up carefully because you could save even more by switching to a new internet provider.
8 tips for switching broadband provider
Switching your broadband provider is quick and easy. All you need to do is pick a plan and provide a few details, including your address, bank details and UAN.
We’ve got a couple of extra tips to make sure your switch goes without a hitch.
1. Decide what you want
When you’re choosing a new broadband deal, ask these questions:
- Do you want broadband only or a broadband bundle?
- What’s the minimum contract period?
- What broadband speed do you need?
- What’s the total monthly cost?
- What’s available in my area?
2. Check with your current provider that you’re free to switch and give proper notice so you don’t get charged early termination fees.
3. Fully review all packages and prices before you sign up for any new broadband plan, including the monthly cost once the discount period ends. Also, check for any hidden fees or charges.
4. Find your Universal Account Number (UAN): You’ll need your UAN to switch. This is an 8 digit number used by telecom providers to identify phone lines. You’ll find it on your phone bill.
5. Check the cooling-off period: If you have a change of heart, most broadband providers offer a 14 day cancellation period, which means you can cancel the contract without cost. Check the T&Cs before signing.
6. Don’t forget to cancel your current contract: You’re responsible for cancelling your broadband account with your current provider when you make the switch to a new provider.
7. Agree on an installation date with your new provider to avoid any interruption in broadband service. Once you have a cut off date, confirm the start date so you experience as little downtime as possible.
8. Cancel your Direct Debit with your existing provider once you have settled the final bill.
If it’s too early to switch penalty free and you’re struggling with slow broadband, these tips could help to speed up your connection.
How to cancel your broadband
If you want to switch provider or cancel any of your services, contact your supplier directly by phone, writing or online.
To ensure the cancellation process goes smoothly it’s a good idea to have the following information ready when you call or write.
- Your name and address as they appear on your bill
- Your UAN number
- Your landline telephone number including area code
- Which service(s) you wish to cancel or move to a new provider
If you’re cancelling due to a problem with your broadband service, check your consumer rights first.
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Switching broadband FAQs
Are there any hidden costs to switching?
There are no hidden costs - what you’ll pay is the monthly charge you see listed on Switcher.ie and any installation fees.
However, be sure to check what the cost of the package is after the discount period so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
Make sure you’re out of contract before deciding to switch because if you are still in contract you will have to pay an early termination charge.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. According to ComReg, it is possible to keep your landline number when moving to a new address, as long as the new location is serviced by the same telephone exchange.
Do I cancel with my current provider before switching?
Yes, you’ll need to give your provider the relevant notice in order to ensure you can switch without any penalties and arrange a date to close off your account.
How do I compare broadband?
With Switcher.ie’s broadband deal checker, you can easily find out the broadband deals available. The tool allows you to compare the plans across things like cost per month/year, broadband speed, providers and bundles.
This makes is really easy to find the deal that best meets your needs.
I've decided on a new broadband provider - what's next?
Once you’ve submitted your details for your new broadband product your new provider will be in touch to confirm the switch. You will need to do a couple of things to ensure a simple switch:
- provide some additional details to your new provider to set up your account
- give your current broadband provider the relevant notice to cancel your contract
- agree an installation date with your new provider to avoid any interruption in service
- cancel all Direct Debits to your old provider, once your account is closed
What if I change my mind?
Once you sign up, you will have a 14-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel without any penalty.
When should I cancel my Direct Debit?
After you decide to switch, you will need to give your broadband provider the relevant notice - as stated in your contract - in order to ensure you can switch without any penalties.
When you do this, you should arrange a date to close off your account. Once the account is closed off, you can then cancel all Direct Debits to this provider.
Who cancels my current broadband account?
You are responsible for cancelling your broadband account with your current provider when you decide to make a switch to a new provider.
You’ll need to give your broadband provider the relevant notice stated in your contract to ensure you switch without any penalties.
Will I lose service during the switch?
It’s unlikely that your phone service will be affected, but a temporary loss of broadband service can sometimes occur during the switching process.
This shouldn’t last for too long, but if you have critical times of the day where you need access to the internet, it might be a good idea to arrange your switchover for outside of these times.
Will I pay a penalty when I switch broadband?
Broadband providers charge an early termination fee if you cancel your broadband or phone during your contract’s minimum term. The exception to this would be if you have a contract-free broadband product.
If your minimum term is up, you will be able to switch without penalty. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some providers require you to give them 30 days notice in order to cancel, so you will need to do this in order to ensure you’re not billed for the product after you’ve switched.
