A Guide to Broadband Installation: Moving Home

In the first part of our guide, we looked at whether you need to pay for installation, compared broadband prices, the time it takes for different providers to install broadband, and what to expect after you ordered your broadband package with us.

In this part, we offer some advice, insight, and some broadband-related considerations you should take on board when moving home. 

Can I move my broadband when moving home?

Just like most other providers, Broadband Freedom will let you keep your current broadband package if you move home. Some providers will require you to restart a contract. Sometimes this can range from 12, 18 to even 24 months! Your monthly bill may be lower as a result but, what if it isn’t? At Broadband Freedom, we believe that flexibility brings value to our customers. So, you know for sure that you won’t ever incur extra costs to your monthly bill, even if you move house.

We know there’s a lot to consider when moving home. With just broadband alone, you need to think about your current provider’s coverage in the area you’re moving to. For example, Virgin Media’s cable network is unavailable in some areas of the UK, as is FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) for the majority of UK customers.

Similarly, you need to consider the type of property you’re moving into. Some providers may not be able to provide their service in flats or in more rural areas, especially the latter! If you’ve enjoyed FTTP fibre-optic broadband in your previous property, chances are you’ll be disappointed by the broadband available in rural areas that is dependent on outdated infrastructure.

Also, if you are someone who is looking to develop a house or build a new one, you need to look at your options for methods to connect your new property to broadband. Chances are, there’ll be no active landline in derelict homes or sites where a new house will be built. 

How do I set up broadband in my new property?

First, check the local network speed in your new area. You can do this by entering the address of the new property. If you’re currently connected to FTTP fibre-optic broadband or with Virgin Media, you’ll need to contact your service provider to see whether FTTP or Virgin’s network is available in the UK. We suggest that you give yourself enough time by planning ahead. Most broadband providers require 30 days’ notice.

Also, check the type of property you’re moving into. Some apartment blocks won’t have access to full packages. Whilst you might be able to get Sky Broadband, you might not get access to Sky TV. You should check ahead with your current provider if they can offer all the services included in your current package.

What’s more, if you’ve bought a property that has been derelict for some time, you will need to check if there is an active landline. You can test this by going to the property and plugging in a landline phone. Remember, you don’t need a house phone to get broadband. ADSL and FFTC do need an active phone line. Additionally, you will need to pay for installation costs if the property doesn’t have either of these.

Owners of self-build homes will first need to get the post office to confirm the address of the property. You can contact a provider of your choice and order the installation of a new landline, once this has been done. Your chosen provider will contract Openreach to set up the network to your self-built house. All you need to do after you’ve taken the necessary steps is to contact your service provider. If you want to switch to Broadband Freedom, we can take all the stress away and do it for you. Any further advice you may need can be answered in one of our live web chat sessions.