For a UK home broadband switch, contact the provider you want to join and ask it to start One Touch Switch. This provider-led process is designed to handle the change, but it does not guarantee uninterrupted internet: Ofcom says a service loss should not last longer than one working day. Review the costs and any affected bundled services before confirming, and arrange a mobile backup if even a short outage would cause a serious problem.
How to switch broadband providers
- Check the new service and order details. Confirm availability at your address, then ask the provider you want to join how it will handle One Touch Switch. Compare the speed and technology, monthly and setup costs, contract term, exit charges, equipment needs and proposed changeover arrangements. Verify current offer details with the provider.
- Review the information from your current provider. Check the proposed switch date, any early termination charge, and what will happen to services bundled with broadband. Raise any questions before confirming the order.
- Confirm installation and equipment arrangements. A change to a different network may require an engineer visit or new equipment. Ask whether a router will be sent, when to connect it and whether you need to be at home for an appointment.
- Prepare for the changeover. If downtime would be disruptive, check whether a phone hotspot or mobile broadband router could provide temporary access. Confirm mobile coverage at your home and check your data allowance and any excess-use charges.
- Follow the new provider’s activation instructions. Once the service is live, connect your devices to the new Wi-Fi and test the connection. If the new router allows it, using your old Wi-Fi network name and password may save reconnecting devices individually; keep the password strong.
One Touch Switch is the usual process for an ordinary UK residential switch: the provider you are joining asks for details such as your address, current provider and the services you want to move. Ofcom announced the cross-network process on 12 September 2024; its One Touch Switch explanation says customers need to contact only the new provider to make the change.
Will you lose your internet connection during the switch?
Possibly, for a short time. Ofcom’s consumer guide to switching broadband provider, last updated 25 August 2026, says: “Any loss of service should not last longer than one working day.” That is a regulated limit, not a promise that your connection will remain live throughout the changeover.
Ofcom identifies compensation in specified circumstances, including a loss of service lasting more than one working day or a missed confirmed service or installation appointment. Check Ofcom’s guide for the applicable details; compensation amounts are not set out here.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
If an interruption would be costly
Arrange a fallback before the switch date rather than relying on the new connection to activate without a pause. A phone’s personal hotspot may cover light use for a short period, subject to your mobile plan’s data allowance. A dedicated 4G or 5G mobile broadband router may suit more devices. Check signal coverage inside your home and the plan’s data limits before relying on or buying either option. A backup is optional, not a requirement of One Touch Switch.
A comparison guide from Broadband.co.uk on mobile broadband describes hotspot and dedicated-router approaches; it does not establish that a particular network or product will work at your address.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
What to check before you confirm
- Early termination charges: If your current minimum term has not ended, leaving early may incur a charge. Under One Touch Switch, your current provider must give you information about charges before the switch.
- Notice-period charges: When you use the prescribed switching process, your old provider must not charge for a notice period after the switchover date. This is separate from an early termination charge for leaving during a minimum term.
- Email and bundles: Ask whether a provider-supplied email address will be affected. Check whether a landline, TV or other bundled service will transfer, stop or need separate action.
- Cooling-off: Ofcom says you may cancel an order within 14 calendar days. If service has already started, you may still owe for service used and installation costs; the old service is not automatically reinstated.
- Appointments and installation: Confirm whether an engineer visit is required, the appointment date and any action you need to take at home.
Can you keep both services running for an overlap?
Yes, but an overlap means managing the switch yourself rather than using One Touch Switch. Tell the new provider you want to arrange it, and separately coordinate cancellation with your current provider. If the new service is delayed, you may need to change the cancellation date, and you may pay for both services during the overlap.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
