Switching your landline is simple with One Touch Switch. Contact the provider you want to move to, and they will manage the switch for you. Sometimes you might need an engineer visit or new equipment, but your new provider should explain what will happen.
Switching can help you save money if you’re out of contract. You might also be able to save by bundling your landline together with your broadband service. See our money saving tips.
Top switching tips
- Switch your landline – three easy steps
- Check for early termination charges
- Switch your landline when part of a bundle of services
- Keep your number, even after cancelling
- Manage your own switch
- Cancel your switch if you change your mind
- What to do if your provider goes out of business
Check if you're eligible for a social tariff
If you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you might qualify for a social tariff. This can be a cheaper phone deal, with no mid-contract price rises, for people on lower incomes. Check our social tariff guide.
Switch your landline – three easy steps
- Contact your chosen new provider to start the One Touch Switch process
Sign up online or speak to the provider you want to join. They will ask for your address, your current provider, the services you want to switch and whether you want to keep your number.
- Check the information from your current provider
Look at the details carefully. Your current provider will send you important information, including details of any charges. If you decide to go ahead, the new provider may be able to arrange the switch for your preferred date.
If you’re moving to a different network, your new provider should tell you if you need an engineer visit, new equipment or any other setup steps.
- Get your new service working
Your new provider should explain what you need to do to get your new landline working, including how to set up any new equipment. Once your new service is working, they should cease your old service automatically.
Your rights when switching
Your old provider must not charge you for any notice period after the switchover date. Any loss of service must not last longer than one working day. Your provider must compensate you in certain cases, including if you are left without service for more than one working day, or if they miss a confirmed service or installation appointment. See our guide to automatic compensation.
Check for early termination charges
Check whether you’re in or out of contract on your provider’s website or app. You could also ask your provider or check your email for any end-of-contract notifications. If you switch before the end of your contract, you might need to pay early termination charges. If you switch using One Touch Switch, your provider must tell you about any charges before you switch.
Switch your landline when part of a bundle of services
If you bundle your landline with other services from your current provider, for example with your broadband, you will usually follow the process described above to switch both services.
If you want to move your landline number to another provider but keep your broadband with your current provider, check what your current provider says about switching before going ahead. In some cases, transferring your landline can affect the broadband service linked to it. If you have the option to keep your existing broadband service, your current provider will normally ask you to speak to them to confirm what you want to do.
If your bundle also includes other types of services, such as TV, you might need to contact your current provider to cancel those. They will explain your options.
If you’re unsure, ask your current provider before proceeding.
Keep your number, even after cancelling
If you have already cancelled your previous landline service, you can still ask to keep your phone number for free, as long as you ask within one month of cancelling. Ask your new provider when you sign up.
Manage your own switch
You might choose to manage your own switch, for example to have an overlap between your old and new service. However, bear in mind the One Touch Switch process would not apply in this case. To manage your switch, tell your new provider when you order and arrange the cancellation separately with your current provider. Check any fees you may have to pay to your current provider if you’re still in contract, or any notice periods if you’re not.
Cancel your switch if you change your mind
You have the right to cancel your order within 14 calendar days. If you change your mind, contact your new provider to cancel the switch. If your service has already started, you might still have to pay for any service you have already used and any installation costs. Your old service will not automatically be reinstated.
What to do if your provider goes out of business
Check our advice on what to do if your provider is going out of business.