Broadband providers will pay you up to £300 to switch to a cheaper broadband deal

Daily Mirror

06-05-2025

That exit fee consumers worry about needn't be a barrier to switching broadband suppliers
Switching broadband providers can be a little daunting. Just like switching mobile phone networks, many customers choose to stay where they are because they want to avoid the hassle of switching to a new provider.
But for those stung by price rises and desperate to move to a better deal, it's not only simple, but a new provider could cover any exit fees incurred, with some paying up to £300. That means people can switch to a cheaper deal, without worrying about the fees.
It's not widely advertised, but in the small print you'll find that EE will cover up to £300 when you move, Sky will give shoppers up to £200 to cover the cost of switching, while Hyperoptic will give up to nine months free service – and there are others too. That means consumers can jump over to Sky's £28 Full Fibre 300 deal, with Sky contributing to exit fees.
Switching broadband suppliers is a very simple process thanks to One Touch Switch. This was introduced by Ofcom in September 2024, meaning that all people have to do is provide the details to their new provider, and they will take care of everything.
But even if it's simple, if users leave before the end of their contract, they might incur a penalty charge, which could run into the hundreds. BT, for example, calculates the early termination fee based on the amount that would have paid on the contract, minus any fees that BT will save as a result of the person leaving.
To help offset these costs, broadband providers are paying the fees for consumers. EE's website says: 'We'll also give you up to £300 towards any early leaving charges,' for example. BT doesn't say that on its site, but will cover switching fees if shoppers ask in-store or call them, according to ISPreview.
Of the big broadband providers, the following will pay something towards early termination charges:
EE – see the best deals
BT – see the best deals
Sky Broadband - see the best deals
Vodafone - see the best deals
Hyperoptic - see the best deals
That means that switching to those providers to escape a high contract could be really simple and some smaller providers will also make a contribution. Users have to check the small print – and ask their new provider how the process works – but in many cases, consumers have to send in the final bill from their old provider showing the fee, and that will be credited to their new account, so they're not out of pocket.