Moving home is stressful enough without worrying about setting up broadband on the big day. With the right preparation before moving, however, you can enjoy a seamless transition when you hook things up a few days later.
Do your research before moving
Before moving – perhaps before you even commit to buying or sign a rental agreement – spend some time checking what Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate in the area. In many cases, the best scenario is remaining with your current provider. If this is an option, and you can enjoy the same speed and reliability, moving your broadband to the new property should be painless.
However, if you must switch – or are taking moving as an opportunity to try a new provider – then it’s a good idea to take the time to use a broadband comparison service to get a full idea of what will be available when you move. When you have the answers, contact your current ISP, and discuss it with them. They’ll be able to tell you what notice is required for moving and for cancelling, and any associated costs. You should also check the procedure for moving your current deal to the new property.
Moving and staying with your provider
If you have the option to remain with your current provider and choose to do so, inform them of the details. Leaving it late will upset any dreams you have of a smooth transition, so act early.
When you move into the new home, it will certainly not have your new broadband internet ready to access. This is the time to ring your provider, confirm the move has taken place, and schedule an engineer. If none is needed, the ISP will ensure the switch is complete at their end and you’ll be able to hook up your router.
Moving and switching providers
This is where things get more complicated, but with good preparation, you can mitigate against the worst outcome.
Start by contacting your current provider to request an end to the service. Be sure to do this within their notice period and aim to have the cancellation set for as close to your move date as possible.
Using a broadband comparison site, like Broadband Genie or Compare the Market, you can find the best broadband deal available in your new home. You should sign up to this in advance of your move, taking care to select a date after you’ve moved in. For switches that require an engineer to visit, this will be arranged to take place as close as possible to the chosen date.
In the UK, three main networks are operated, by BT, Virgin Media, and KCOM in Hull, alongside numerous smaller fibre optic networks such as CityFibre and Hyperoptic. Engineer visits are most common when moving between physical networks. For example, moving to a property with a BT line and a Virgin Media line where the one you plan to switch to has been disabled or the port removed.
Getting online in your new house
With the move complete and the internet “switched on” by your provider, think about getting online.
Initially, this means setting up the router, finding the best location in the property to get the best Wi-Fi coverage. A central location is always best for this, although that is often not possible. You can overcome problems with uniform wireless network coverage in your home by using Wi-Fi boosters to extend the signal. This is particularly useful for basements and attics.
As convenient as Wi-Fi is, superfast broadband demands superfast connectivity. If you’re having electrical work done, it is worth speaking to the contractor to see if an Ethernet network can be added at the same time.
If this isn’t possible, powerline adapters are a smart alternative. These use your home’s electric wiring to transmit data. So, you might plug the router in downstairs, run the Ethernet cable to the first powerline adapter, then plug the second powerline adapter into the mains electric in your loft conversion. From here, use an Ethernet cable to connect your chosen device to the network through the powerline adapter.
Common issues
Very little goes smoothly when you move house. While switching and even porting broadband is increasingly reliable, you should be aware of the risks and have some contingencies.
The most obvious of these is to have a backup connection. You might already use your smartphone’s mobile internet connection to access the internet with your laptop, but if this isn’t enough (perhaps the data cap is restrictive) consider a pay-as-you-go portable mobile internet router.
Basic communication issues can also hinder your transfer, so take this into account. ISPs handle thousands of switches every week, and human error can play a part.
Finally, remember that you may not enjoy the same speed at a new address. Switching from a BT line to a Virgin Media line should give you faster broadband, switching in the other direction usually will not.