Thinking of Switching Broadband? Here’s What you Need to Know

Switching providers and cancelling your current broadband is often the smartest way to cut costs and unlock faster speeds.

But if you’re still mid-contract, deciding to cancel early can come with hefty charges.

This guide walks you through what to expect, when you might pay – and when you could get out penalty-free.

Will I be Charged for Leaving Early?

Most of the time, yes.

Providers usually ask you to pay for the remaining months of your contract, plus any equipment costs (like your router).

But before you panic – if you’re close to the end of your deal, it might still be cheaper in the long run to pay the fee and switch. This is especially true if you face a mid-contract price hike.

Did you know that in a recent Opinium survey, 87% of respondents said that they think exit fees should be waived, in the occasion that a provider bumps up the monthly bill mid-way through.

How much Will You be Charged if You Cancel Your Broadband Early?

If you decide to cancel your broadband contract early in the UK, it’s vital to know that early termination fees (ETFs) are common – but the costs and conditions vary by provider.

Here’s a helpful breakdown with real examples:

Sky Broadband

They calculate the fee by adjusting your remaining monthly payments:

They deduct VAT, subtract their saved costs, apply a lump-sum discount, then round to the nearest 25p.
Example: If you pay £30/month with 3 months left, your final ETF might be around £49.25.

BT / EE

Both BT and EE providers remove VAT and subtract their cost savings.

If you pay your final bill early, you may qualify for a 1% (BT) or 4% (EE) discount before VAT is added back on.

TalkTalk

Fees depend on your package:

Full Fibre 65: ~£27/month
Full Fibre 150: ~£26/month

Multiply by months left to estimate your ETF.

Virgin Media

Early exit fees vary by package. For example, if your plan costs £30/month and you have 5 months left, expect up to £100 exit fee.

Other Providers

Hyperoptic: £20 (broadband only) or £25 (with phone) per remaining month.
Community Fibre: Pay the cost of remaining months plus any waived setup fees.

Fees Frame of Mind – The Conclusion

In general, early termination fees range from £10 to over £50 per month left – or up to 80% of your remaining contract value.

It always depends on your broadband supplier, your monthly charge, and how long is left of your contract period.

Don’t Forget About Switching Credits!

Providers like EE, BT, Sky, Vodafone, Hyperoptic may offer “switching credits” to offset exit fees – often as cashbacks or bill credits, usually between £25 and £400.

Make sure to check the fine print to see if you need to claim it in advance.

You might be able to include it in your switch, consequently lowering your final bill, however, it’s key to consult your original contract.

Depending on which supplier you plan on moving to, it’s also crucial to check if they offer to buy out your existing contract and pay the exit fees for you.

Can I Ever Leave Without Paying?

Absolutely – and here’s how:

Haggle your way out: Not happy with your price or speed? Call your provider directly. They may offer a better deal or faster package.
If the provider changes the rules: If your provider significantly changes your contract terms or hikes prices beyond what was agreed, you might be able to cancel your broadband without a fee.
Poor service: Signed up to Ofcom’s Code of Practice? If your provider consistently fails to meet their guaranteed minimum speeds, and they can’t fix it within 30 days, you can leave at no cost. Please remember to keep written/digital evidence of any downtime and/or unsatisfactory service.
Cooling-off period: Just signed up? You’ve usually got 14 days to cancel without any penalty – just make sure you return any kit.