How Can I Switch Broadband in Ireland?

By David Tait

Editorial Manager

Switching broadband companies is as common as switching your electricity provider. Since every broadband contract will last at least 12 months, it’s standard practice to have a look around and see what other broadband providers there are. When you’ve found a contract you want to switch to, you need to know the switching process. Read the switch broadband guide to find out more!

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Why Should I Switch Broadband Provider?

Switching broadband providers can help you save money and allow you to find better services while keeping the broadband market competitive. The broadband regulator, Comreg, also recommends switching as a way of getting better customer service as well as better prices.

How Does Switching Broadband Save You Money?

Switching broadband providers can save you money since most companies will offer discounted deals and offers exclusively to new customers. Quite often, a broadband contract will jump up in price after it’s finished and so getting a new fixed deal is important for keeping your broadband bills low.

Who Can I Switch Broadband To?

There are a great number of different broadband providers you can switch to in Ireland. Check out the list below to get an overview of what’s on offer on the Irish market:

Last Updated: 15/03/2023

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What Should I Look for When I Switch Broadband?

When it comes to switching broadband, you need to keep a number of things in mind so you make the right choice that will ultimately benefit you and your household. Switching broadband can sometimes be down to trial and error, but you should really be looking into the following:

1. Price per Month
   The price per month for your broadband deal will be a key part of your decision whether to take out a broadband contract or not. Often, the broadband market in Ireland is very competitive, and it can be difficult to find big differences in price so you should do extensive research to find out who might be best. You should also double check and see if the price rises during or at the end of your contract.
2. Speeds
   Speeds will be the best way you can compare broadband prices effectively. If one company is offering the same speeds as another for a lower price, you might be getting more for your money. The speeds should also include your connectivity type, whether you want ADSL, fibre or SIRO.
3. Contract Length
   The majority of broadband contracts last around 12 months, however there are some companies who offer 24 month deals and very few that might offer short contracts. Taking out a broadband contract can be risky since you are locked in for a given period, so you should know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand.
4. Coverage
   The coverage offered by a company is also important. Some broadband providers might offer faster speeds in some areas but be really slow in others. You can ask your neighbours which networks they use to get an idea of who might be the best. If you’re in a rural area, you might want to consider mobile broadband or satellite broadband.
5. Reviews
   Broadband company reviews will be a good source of judgement for each broadband company. If you know other customers are satisfied with the company, then they might be worth a shot for your broadband. You should still be careful with reviews since it is often a place where people will vent their negativity rather than an objective experience so you should take reviews with a pinch of salt.

Check Out Our How To Compare Broadband Guide!

What Do I Need To Switch Broadband in Ireland?

Switching broadband in Ireland is a relatively simple process. However, there are times where it can get messy and having your broadband line confused can be a complete nightmare. This is why it’s best to be aware of the broadband switching process before beginning.

What Information Do I Need for the Broadband Switch?

If you want to do a broadband switch, you only need to know your personal details and banking information and you’ll be good to go. When you’re looking into switching, you should have the following ready:

1. Personal Details
   If the bills are going to be in your name, you need to make sure to fill in your first and last names as well as your email address and a contact number. If you’re switching broadband, you’ll also want to include your landline number if you know what it is.
2. Address
   The address of the property you’re switching the broadband for is also really important. The address will be able to tell you what speeds are available to you and what the best network coverage is for your area.
3. Bank Details and IBAN
   Most broadband companies will need you to set up a direct debit so you will need to have your IBAN ready to set up the automatic payments. Rarely, you might be able to set up a Pay As You Go broadband and you’ll need to have some card details to allow you to top up.
4. Universal Account Number
   Your Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique number for all Irish broadband connections that were originally designated by Eircom when it was a state-owned company. Your UAN is essential for identifying which property you want to switch your broadband to. You can usually find it by looking at the latest bill or calling your broadband provider.

What Is the Broadband Switching Process?

Once you have all your information, the broadband switching process is straightforward and it should only take a few minutes to get set up. Here are the steps you need to take to get your broadband switching going:

1. Confirm the Broadband Switch
   Once you’ve found the broadband provider you want to partner up with and you’ve filled in all the information, you’ll usually get a call from your new broadband provider confirming the switch making sure all your details are correct.
2. Give Back Old Equipment
   If you’re using the router and cables from another broadband provider, you might need to give all your equipment back during your switching process. Your old provider will let you know how you can do this since different companies might come and collect it or need you to send it. Normally, most will need to drop it off in your nearest store.
3. Installation
   Your new provider will make arrangements to come and install your new broadband at your new property. This might take a little bit of time, but depending on whether you need a new line or are getting a new fibre connection, it should all be done in a few hours. Once installed, the engineer will test the broadband service to make sure it all works as it should.
4. Activation
   Once the installation is complete, the next step is to go live. This can take a little time, but you’ll receive a notification when your internet connection is all up and running and you're able to connect. If you have any problems, like your broadband is down or your broadband is slow after connecting, you should contact your new provider.

Do I Need To Contact Anyone Else?

You don’t need to contact anyone else during your switch. The broadband companies, the one you’re leaving and the one you’re joining, will handle the switch between themselves so you won’t need to do anything else. The only things you will need to take care of is handing in the old equipment and arranging a time for the engineer to install your new broadband router.

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How Long Does It Take To Switch Broadband in Ireland?

Switching broadband providers isn’t the quickest process in the world so it usually takes a bit of time for everything to go through and for you to go live. In Ireland, there are also some legal requirements broadband providers have to follow which also makes the whole broadband switching process much longer.

How Long After I Sign Up Does My Broadband Switch Over?

By law, customers are given a 14-day cooling off period that allows them to change their mind about a contract if they find a better deal or they want to stay with their current provider. This cooling off period allows customers a lot of flexibility, but it can also be frustrating if you want to make a switch as quickly as possible. After 14 days, your new broadband provider will be able to start the set up.

How Long Does a Broadband Installation Take?

How long a broadband installation takes after a broadband switch will depend on what’s needed in the installation. If your broadband package is exactly the same as the one you’ve had previously, the engineer should be able to get it setup without issue in an hour. If you need a new line installed, it might take at least 3 to 4 hours to get it completed.

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Can I Cancel My Broadband Switch?

Cancelling your broadband switch can be either very simple or very complicated since it all depends on when you do it. You should be reassured, however, that cancelling is always an option at any point of the process and you have the right to change your mind if you want to.

Can I Cancel During My Cooling Off Period?

Cancelling during your cooling off period is the best time to do it. Your 14-day cooling off period is there so you can freely change your mind at no extra cost and before any installation has taken place. If you do change your mind about the switch during the cooling off period, all you have to do is contact your new provider and let them know.

Can I Cancel If the Service Is Not What I Expected?

If you’ve switched broadband providers and your new one is failing to fulfil their contract obligations in regards to the speeds that were offered, you are allowed to cancel the contract without paying an early exit fee. You should do a broadband speedtest to double check just in case.

However, if you decide to cancel, you will need to make arrangements to go back with your old broadband provider on a completely new contract. It can also get messy since you might have to prove the speeds are not right and this can take time.

Can I Cancel Shortly After the Contract Starts?

If there’s nothing wrong with the speeds or the service and you’ve just changed your mind, you will need to pay whatever extra fee the contract requires. If you’re happy to do this, you can cancel the contract and you’ll just need to go through the deinstallation and switching process all over again.

Find Out More in Our Cancel Broadband Guide!