Annoyingly, there’s no set answer as it all depends on what installation is needed and who the provider is. Your postcode will play a part, too. We’ve found the average time is about 14 days, although there are some brands who can do it much quicker.
We’ve broken down the process, costs and the typical timelines involved so you can know exactly what to expect.
You’ll need an engineer visit if a new type of broadband is being installed. So, if you are switching over to Virgin Media or one of the newer alternative networks such as Community Fibre, Gigaclear or Hyperoptic it’s likely that you will need an engineer visit.
These all run on their own newer full fibre networks that need to be installed, rather than through Openreach’s existing phone line-based broadband infrastructure. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it will take longer for you to switch over. In fact, it can sometimes be an advantage as these alternative networks can have more flexible and responsive resources and are quicker at getting an engineer out.
Find out more about alternative networks.
Sky, BT, Talk Talk, Plusnet and NOW all use the Openreach broadband network to provide its services. This means that if you are switching within this group then you will already have the right cables running into your property. The new provider takes ownership and takes over the running of your phone line from your current provider.
There is a big exception to the above though. If you are changing from standard or partial fibre, a new line will need to be installed to your home and an engineer visit will be required. This is because this faster technology no longer runs on a phone line but a faster fibre connection that will need to be installed.
Find out more about full fibre.
An engineer visit typically lasts about 2-3 hours and will involve work externally and internally, so you’ll need to be in for their visit.
How long will I be offline whilst switching?
The engineer will agree with you on where to put the master socket in your home. This will need to be near a power socket. They will then need to disconnect your old hub, which means you’ll be without broadband for probably around 30 minutes.
The different types of outside installation
Externally, there are three types of installation that might be undertaken. Overhead, where fibre will be connected from the nearest serviceable telephone pole to the property. Underground (existing), where fibre will be connected from the nearest BT chamber to your property. Or, underground (traditional), where they run fibre from the property to the nearest connection point.
To get the cable into your home the engineer will need to drill a small hole in the external wall to run a cable through for the broadband. If you are renting you’ll need to get permission from your landlord.
The average installation time is about two weeks and costs vary. We’ve set it out simply so you can see what’s in store for every switch.
Starting with all the providers that use Openreach network you’ll see a similar pattern of 10-14 days for set up, with most wavering any installation or activation costs.
Virgin Media and the alternative networks are slightly different. It’s likely you’ll need an engineer visit, but they tend to be more agile in getting an engineer out. We have only featured Community Fibre below from our altnets, but these independent networks all tend to have a quicker turnaround time to your service up and running. Cost-wise you should normally avoid any installation or set-up fees, too. Although Virgin Media does have a standard activation fee.
Openreach network
How long?
BT aims to get broadband up and running for new customers within two weeks, but it can sometimes take longer.
If you are already a BT customer and just switching to a different product, your installation time should be closer to seven days.
Your new connection should begin on the same day your old one is switched off. You can expect to experience only a few minutes of downtime if you're only switching your broadband.
How much?
This depends on what package you are taking out and whether you already have a BT telephone service.
You’ll get all installation and reconnecting costs for free if you’re taking out a Superfast Fibre plan. If not, expect costs of £30 for a new line if needed. A new landline – with no broadband – on its own costs £140 to install.
Openreach network
How long?
If you already have a suitable phone line, Sky will activate your broadband remotely. If you don't, Sky will book an engineer to install it.
Sky broadband installation can take between one and three weeks, depending on the package you choose, whether you already have a landline, and the availability of engineers in your area.
How much?
Sky Broadband's installation and set-up fee is £19.95, but it's often thrown in for free for new customers to tempt them into deals.
Openreach network
How long?
The time it takes to get TalkTalk broadband installed depends on whether you're using an existing line or installing a new one.
If you're using an existing line, you can expect to be activated within about 15 days of placing your order. You'll receive your router in the post before your services are activated.
If you need a new line installed, you'll need an engineer to visit your home. Depending on availability this could push the activation time up to about three weeks.
How much?
There is a cost of £60 if you need an engineer visit, however this and any other set-up fees are often removed from full fibre plans as part of an offer.
Openreach network
How long?
Plusnet has a similar set up promise to the other Openreach providers. Depending on the package and whether you need an engineer you can be ready to go in 3-10 working days. So, 14 days as a conservative estimate.
But, if you do have a landline and an Openreach connection already, the switch can theoretically happen remotely within 3 working days.
How much?
The activation fee for standard broadband is £5 and partial fibre is £10. There are no charges to anyone choosing full fibre.
Runs on its own cable network, different from Openreach
How long?
This depends on the type of installation needed.
If customers have had Virgin Media services in the past and their wall sockets and cables are still in good condition an engineer visit won’t be needed and instead they’ll be sent out a QuickStart kit that they can install themselves. This easy to use piece of tech should arrive within four days and just needs to be plugged in.
If the infrastructure isn’t in place and an engineer visit is needed, Virgin Media aim to get you installed within 14 days. It can also take up to 10 days to transfer your phone number across.
How much?
All of Virgin Media’s services come with an activation fee of £35.
Alternative full fibre cable network
How long?
Because Community Fibre runs on its own network, different to Openreach, every new customer will require an engineer visit to install the new fibre optic lines needed.
The good news is that it’s normally a quick turnaround, they even do next-day engineer appointments if they have availability, the average waiting time is about three days.
How much?
Community Fibre no longer charge any installation or activation fees.
