long band
Changing your broadband plan is quick and easy and can save you a lot of money. Here's what you need to know about switching to better broadband in Ireland.
Why change broadband provider?
Broadband providers usually have their best deals ready for new customers, and there are plenty of them.broadband providerIn Ireland everyone is competing to offer the lowest price, fastest speeds or free add-onsAmazon Prime Videoosports passes.
So if you switch to another provider, you can enjoy:
- Cheaper monthly costs
- Faster Internet Speeds
- Higher download limits
- best customer service
- Free accessories or equipment
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What's the best way to find a new broadband provider?
Con Switcher.esLongband offer checkerFind all broadband plans available in Ireland.
Our broadband checker makes it easy to find the best broadband plans in your area, allowing you to compare features like:
- monthly charges
- Discounts and special offers
- long band speeds
- contract duration
- Exclusive offers and rewards
Get ultra-fast broadband for just €30 a month
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving.
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Broadband plans in Ireland
Broadband providers in Ireland offer different types of broadband packages to suit your needs. Broadband alone is usually the cheapest, while a TV package with a calling plan can cost more.
broadband only
An Internet-only offer with no calling plan, although in some cases you still need a landline. Providers that offer broadband exclusively include Pure Telecom, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
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broadband and fixed
A package with Internet and fixed rate. You can keep your current phone number and choose from eir, Pure Telecom, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
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broadband and television
Add digital TV to your broadband and enjoy access to exclusive content and features such as the ability to pause, rewind and record live TV. eir, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone offer broadband and TV offers.
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broadband packages
The triple offer includes broadband, fixed telephony and a TV package. Simplify your bills and save money by pooling your bandwidth. Choose from eir, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
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Six Tips for a Successful Move
Changing broadband providers is quick and easy. However, read these additional tips to ensure the switch goes smoothly.
- Find out what's available near you:Ourlong band testersearches all businesses in your location and you can filter the results to narrow your choices.
- Know what you need:To wantbroadband onlythe onebroadband package? Think aboutHow much speed do you really need?, the services you want and what you can pay monthly.
- Check if you are eligible to change:Please contact your current provider and provide the necessary notice period to avoid being charged early termination fees.
- Read the fine print:Do this before signing up for a new broadband plan, review the monthly cost after the discount period ends and check for any upfront costs or additional fees.
- Cancel your current contract:You are responsible for canceling your broadband account with your current provider if you switch to a new provider.
- Schedule your installation:Once you've established a deadline with your old provider, confirm the start date with your new provider to minimize downtime.
Some providers may notify their customers when the contract ends, but they are not legally required to do so. You can find the expiration date in the terms of your contract.
Is it worth haggling with your provider?
Yes, let your current provider know you are considering switching before doing so. Let them know you're leaving and they can do whatever they can to keep you.
Look for cheaper deals on a comparison site and ask if they are the same price. This may lead to a new offer at a lower price, but there is no guarantee.
Whatever the reaction, make sure you review the offer carefully, because you could save even more by switching to a new broadband provider.
Switch to a new broadband provider
What happens next?
If you found a cheaper offer on Switcher.ie, after submitting your new broadband product details your new provider will contact you to confirm the change.
Here are some things to do to ensure an easy exchange:
- Provide your new provider with some additional details to set up your account
- Inform your current broadband provider of the appropriate notice period
- Schedule an installation appointment with your new provider to avoid service disruption
- Cancel all direct debits from your old provider once your account is closed and the bill paid
What if you change your mind?
If you change your mind or find a better deal elsewhere, most broadband providers offer a 14-day cooling-off period, allowing you to cancel without penalty.
Cancel your broadband connection
As soon as you have the opportunity to switch to a new provider,You are responsible for canceling your broadband accountwith your current provider.
You must provide your provider with notice and an undertaking to close your account to avoid early termination penalties.
To ensure a smooth cancellation process, you must provide your UAN number, name, address and telephone number as they appear on your invoice.
If you cancel due to a problem with your broadband service,Consult your rights as a consumerFirst.
How far in advance should you give notice?
Most broadband providers require you to give 30 days' notice before moving, whether you are within the minimum contract period or not.
Once your discount plan expires, you can switch it without penalty.
However, if you are still within the minimum term, your previous provider will charge you an early termination fee for terminating your contract. An exception is if you have a no-contract broadband product.
Will you lose service during the transition?
Your phone service is unlikely to be affected, but sometimes there may be a temporary loss of broadband service during the switchover process.
This shouldn't take long. However, if you need Internet access during the day, try to schedule the change outside of critical times.
Broadband switching FAQ
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. ComReg says it's possible to keep your landline number when you move to a new address, as long as the same exchange serves the new location.
What is the UAN?
UAN is the abbreviation for Universal Account Number. This is a unique eight-digit identification number for the line that carries broadband and telephone signals to your home.
UAN is usually required to switch broadband providers and keep your existing phone number when switching. You can find it on most phone and broadband bills or your online account.
When should I cancel my direct debit?
Once you decide to switch, you must give your broadband provider the notice period specified in your contract (usually 30 days) to ensure the switch is made without penalty.
Make an appointment with your provider to close your account. Once the account is closed and you've settled any outstanding payments, you can cancel the direct debit.
Do I have to pay anything if I change my broadband network?
No, equipment is normally loaned or provided free of charge, but all equipment must be returned within 30 days of the date your broadband service ended.
They will contact you to let you know how to return the items. Please include all peripherals such as cables, power adapters and WiFi extenders with your return to avoid being charged for them.
Additional setup costs may apply depending on the type of broadband connection you purchase. Therefore, please review the fee information before signing up.
Are there any hidden costs when switching?
No, but please review plan information carefully before enrolling. You pay the monthly fee listed on Switcher.ie plus any other upfront costs listed in the plan information.
The monthly price shown is usually a discounted price for a limited time only. So check how long the introductory price is valid and how much it increases after it expires.
Before exchanging, make sure your contract has expired, as if you are still within the minimum period, you will have to pay an early termination fee.
Get ultra-fast broadband for just €30 a month
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving.
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Emma Archer
Last update on 11/24/2022
FAQs
Switch Broadband Provider in Ireland | The best broadband and TV deals? ›
It's never been simpler to switch your broadband. The process to follow depends on who you're switching to, and what kind of broadband connection you currently have. The first thing you should do is contact the provider you wish to switch to and they will be able to explain the process you need to follow.
Can I just switch broadband providers? ›It's never been simpler to switch your broadband. The process to follow depends on who you're switching to, and what kind of broadband connection you currently have. The first thing you should do is contact the provider you wish to switch to and they will be able to explain the process you need to follow.
How do I switch from one broadband provider to another? ›- Contact your new broadband provider and ask when they can transfer you to the new contract.
- Book the date for the transfer.
- Call your old provider to confirm that you want to cancel on the day your new service starts.
- Price: Check the introductory discount period and cost for the whole contract term, to find the cheapest deal. ...
- Broadband speed: The speed you can get will depend on the type of broadband connection you choose, and what's available in your area.
By switching providers, you could save money and get a better connection too. There are plenty of reasons to switch broadband provider: Save money - As faster broadband becomes more common, prices are tumbling too. You may find you can get a better speed for less money.
Do I need to let my broadband before switching? ›When can I switch broadband? You can switch to a new broadband provider whenever you want to. Minimum term contracts with internet service providers do not force you to keep your service for that period, the catch is that if you do switch, you will usually need to pay an early exit fee.
Do I have to cancel one internet provider before switching? ›If you're tied to a contract, you'll first need to cancel your service and pay any early termination fees. Before you do that, you need to decide on a new provider and set up your new service to avoid having to go without internet access while in-between providers.
Which internet broadband is best? ›- Jio Broadband.
- BSNL Broadband.
- Hathway Broadband.
- Excitel Broadband.
- Tata Play Broadband.
- ACT Fibernet.
- Tikona Broadband.
- YOU Broadband.
Technically, there is no reason why you can't have multiple broadband connections within the same house. However, you may need to pay to have another line installed. This is because many broadband plans, even from different ISPs, use the same infrastructure, usually the copper telephone lines running to your home.
Can you have Sky TV with a different broadband provider? ›Yes Sky Q will work with different Broadband suppliers. Main difference is tha when not using Sky Broadband you need to connect the Q box to the Router 2.4 GHz WiFi band. Of course you can also connect by Ethernet. With Sky Broadband you can connect to the router 5 GHz WiFi.
What is the most reliable internet in Ireland? ›
As Ireland's number one broadband provider, Pure Telecom offers the best available broadband to each and every one of our valued customers.
Which network is best in Ireland? ›- 48 offers a good value prepay SIM-only plan. It uses the Three network which has 99% 4G population coverage in Ireland. ...
- An Post Mobile.
- Clear Mobile.
- eir mobile.
- GoMo.
- Tesco Mobile.
- Three.
- Virgin Mobile.
Currently, the fastest fibre deals advertised in Ireland are 2,000Mbps (1GB). All fibre providers, including Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Digiweb, Pure Telecom and eir, offer superfast speeds, but availability depends on where you live and whether SIRO has been rolled out in your area.
Why do new broadband customers get better deals? ›More often than not, the best deals are offered to new customers. Switching apathy and brand loyalty means existing customers often remain on contracts which are more expensive than those for newbies. This is because most people already have mobile, TV, home phone and broadband contracts.
What time of year is best to switch internet providers? ›While the summer may be the best time to switch your ISP, you can find savings just about any time of the year if you go looking for them. Switch internet provider deals exist and providers often offer promotional rates for new customers that will save them money for at least the first year of service.
How often do customers switch internet providers? ›Frequency of switching home Internet service
Overall, 62% of home Internet users have not switched ISPs in the past three years, while 36% have done so one or more times. 7 Among home broadband users, these figures are essentially the same, with 62% having not switched and 37% having done so in the past three years.
Most broadband providers will let you set up accounts with third-party emails. For example, if you're with BT and want to log in to your account, you can do it with a Gmail address. Broadband providers will give you a new address, but you don't have to actually use it.
Do I need a landline for broadband? ›With most broadband providers, you need a physical phone line hooked up to your home in order to get broadband. That's because your internet is connected through the same cables.
How long does it take for broadband to activate? ›Your broadband will start working on your activation day. It can take until midnight for you to be connected. Find out when your activation day is: Get your order number from your order confirmation email, or your router packing when it arrives.
What happens to email when you switch internet providers? ›Remember, once you discontinue service with your old ISP, your @ISP.com email address and mailbox go away. So, you won't be able to keep that address alive. However, you can keep two addresses active if you are going from a neutral email provider such as Yahoo or Gmail or another non-ISP email address.
Can I cancel my cable and keep internet? ›
If you want to cancel cable but keep your internet, you need to do the following two steps: Call customer service. Request to cancel TV but keep internet service.
Does switching internet providers change IP address? ›Your ISP is responsible for distributing and maintaining a block of dynamic IP addresses that are continually circulated throughout their customer base. It stands to reason, therefore, that if you move house and change broadband providers, you IP Address will also change.
Is broadband better than cable Internet? ›Broadband enables extensive amounts of information to be sent instantly. In most areas, cable Internet is the fastest type of connection. Some companies offer plans based on connection speeds. The fastest broadband speed can go around 1 gigabit per second.
Which is stronger broadband or Wi-Fi? ›Now, here's why a broadband connection is a better choice for you: 1. It offers you far superior speeds than a Wi-Fi connection ever will, you usually get a large amount of data every month that allows you to download large files faster.
Which is better fiber or broadband? ›The fibre broadband is more reliable when it is compared to a broadband connection. The broadband connection is fast speed internet, but the speed is slower when it is compared to a fibre connection. The fibre broadband connection is very fast speed internet as it uses optical fibre for transmission of data.
Can I have BT and Virgin in the same house? ›You can have both BT and Virgin. If you have not cancelled your BT package you could still do a House Move.
Can I get my own internet in a house that already has internet? ›If you already have an internet provider and service to your home, you can set up a Wi-Fi network in a matter of minutes. Just plug in your router and follow the instructions to create a Wi-Fi network and password, then start connecting your devices.
Can I share my broadband in another house? ›Well, it is possible to transfer your broadband to another address, but first, you need to check if your provider is available at the new address. If so, then most providers will allow you to move your connection. When moving broadband to a new house, just be aware.
Do I need to tell Sky I'm changing broadband provider? ›Normally we can let your provider know you're switching to Sky Broadband & Talk, so you don't have to. But you'll need to get in touch with your provider to cancel if you're with Virgin Media or another provider that doesn't use the Openreach network.
Can I keep my landline phone number if I switch providers UK? ›You can keep your existing landline telephone number when you switch if you want to. This is known as number 'porting'. If you want to keep your number, let the provider you wish to switch to know.
Is BT or Sky Broadband better? ›
Winner: BT
As always, speed is the name of the game when it comes to making your broadband choice. BT wins here by offering not only a wider selection but a far higher top speed with its premium Full Fibre 900Mbps broadband package. Until recently, Sky offered one regular superfast fibre speed, averaging 61Mbps.
Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the developed world for broadband, with prices here almost four times those in the cheapest country in the European Union, a new global survey has revealed.
Is Irish internet good? ›The new 'Global State of the Internet Index' shows that Ireland's average broadband speed is 14 megabits per second (Mbs), which is the fourth best in Europe, and seventh best in the world. Our connectivity is also three times faster than the global average broadband speed.
Does Ireland have fiber optic internet? ›The fastest fibre broadband plans in Ireland can deliver speeds of up to 1,000Mbps with a full fibre connection, but most providers offer part fibre plans with speeds of up to 100Mbps. Virgin Media uses part fibre, part coaxial cable to offer download speeds of up to 1,000Mbps.
Is Verizon good in Ireland? ›Verizon works great in Ireland but the local SIM option will be cheaper for a stay of a few days or more. They even seem to route you back to the US for your internet connection so if you are using something that is Geo blocked outside of the US (such as Netflix) you will still be able to use it.
Which network has the best 5G coverage Ireland? ›eir customers can enjoy the unrivalled speed and reliability that 5G offers with peak speeds of up to and over 1Gb per second! Welcome to 5G, the next generation of mobile connectivity.
What is the most popular TV channel in Ireland? ›- digiweb.
- eir.
- pure-telecom.
- sky.
- virgin-media.
- vodafone.
Can I Get Broadband Without a Landline in Ireland? Yes. You can get an unlimited broadband connection to your home without the cost of the landline. Pure Telecom is the best provider in Ireland that is able to offer broadband that doesn't need a phone line.
Is Virgin Media better than eir? ›Virgin Media provided the fastest average speeds delivering 90th percentile download speeds of 209.27 Mbps compared to eir (81.28 Mbps), Vodafone (66.99 Mbps) or Sky (62.74 Mbps).
Can you transfer a broadband contract? ›
Well, it is possible to transfer your broadband to another address, but first, you need to check if your provider is available at the new address. If so, then most providers will allow you to move your connection. When moving broadband to a new house, just be aware.
Can I have 2 different broadband providers? ›Technically, there is no reason why you can't have multiple broadband connections within the same house. However, you may need to pay to have another line installed. This is because many broadband plans, even from different ISPs, use the same infrastructure, usually the copper telephone lines running to your home.
Is there an alternative to broadband? ›Satellite Internet – The Main Alternative to Fibre Broadband
As you have just read, there are many different ways to connect to the web. Mobile data is often capped while dial-ups and hotspots have their own issues, which mean most people prefer fibre and DSL connections.
You sure can! Technically you can have as many internet connections as you like. Here's HOOD's walkthrough of how to set up multiple internet sources, and why you might want that. Something worth mentioning upfront is that it is not cheap to do this.
Can you have 2 fibre lines on one property? ›Fibre broadband uses the Netlink Trust (NLT) Termination Point (TP) installed in your home and connects to the fibre optic Next Gen NBN infrastructure that is entirely separate from DSL or cable lines. If you wish to run multiple fibre broadband services at once, it should be no problem as well.
Can I get broadband without a phone line or cable? ›Can I get broadband without a landline? Yes, broadband without a landline suits families who pay for line rental but barely use it. The type of broadband package you want depends on each family's preference. You should decide whether you want to bundle your broadband with TV and landline services.
What is the cheapest way to get broadband? ›While copper ADSL broadband is usually the lowest-priced broadband type on the market, you can still get a comparably low-cost fibre broadband deal without paying too much more. But with some providers, it's actually sometimes cheaper to go for a faster fibre deal.
Do I need broadband if I have Wi-Fi? ›Can you have wifi without broadband? You can create a wifi network and connect multiple devices together without broadband. But, you will be unable to connect any of them to the internet.
What to do while waiting for broadband to be installed? ›If you have decent 4G or 5G signal, then you can use your smartphone's hotspot. Also known as tethering, this takes your mobile data and creates a mini-WiFi hub which you can connect other devices to. Bear in mind that this will eat through your data pretty quickly, so make sure you have enough.
Do I need an engineer to install broadband? ›Even if you're moving into a new home, the infrastructure for broadband will likely already be in place. But you'll still need to have an engineer come out and connect you to the network. Also, if you want to switch from regular cable broadband to an ultrafast fibre pack, you'll need more than a new router.
Can you install broadband yourself? ›
Can you install broadband yourself? In some cases, you will be able to install the internet yourself without the help of an engineer. This is likely the case if you already have a phone line installed or are switching between providers on the same network.