Switching telecoms provider: what actually happens, step by step

Before you commit

• Check your contract end date and notice period (commonly 30–90 days)
• Ask your current provider for early termination charges in writing
• Confirm which numbers you own and whether they can be ported
• Get the new order confirmed before serving notice on the old service

Number porting

Numbers are portable between UK providers. Single-number ports typically take a couple of weeks; larger multi-line ports take longer and need an accurate letter of authority listing every number exactly as the losing provider holds it.

The most common cause of delay is a mismatch between the address or account details on the port request and the losing provider's records. Get these right first time and porting is usually smooth.

A typical timeline

• Weeks 1–2: order placed, survey if needed, numbers submitted for porting
• Weeks 2–4: new circuit installed and tested alongside the old one, handsets provisioned
• Week 4: user training, then port date scheduled outside busy hours
• Port day: numbers move, calls tested, old service ceased only after confirmation

Avoiding downtime

Run new and old services in parallel wherever possible. For broadband, install the new line before ceasing the old; for voice, register handsets to the new platform and test outbound calls before the numbers move. Never cease the old service on the same day the new one goes live.