The short answer: Switching business broadband doesn’t have to mean any loss of service.
With the right planning, your new connection is installed and tested before the old one is switched off, so the changeover happens in the background, and your team stays online throughout.
Read on to find out exactly how the switch works, and how long it takes.
Why businesses switch
Most SMEs switch because either their contract is ending, they’re overpaying, they may be under-supported, or stuck using a system that is outdated and no longer providing value to them. However, the thing that holds them back isn’t cost; it’s the fear of disruption. Handled properly, there isn’t any.
How to switch business broadband: the 5 steps
1. Check your contract. Note your end date, notice period (30–90 days, varies by provider) and any early-exit charges. Time the switch to your contract end and it can cost you nothing, or alternatively your new provider may be able to settle the remainder of your old agreement to incentivise you to switch sooner.
2. Choose your connection. Decide what you need — SoGEA, full-fibre (FTTP) or a leased line, and pick a provider who sizes it right rather than upselling.
3. Order and book the install. Your new provider orders the line and schedules the work. Start early if you need a leased line (see timings below).
4. Run both lines in parallel. This is what prevents downtime: your new connection is installed and tested while the old one is still live, and nothing is switched off until the new line is working.
5. Confirm, then cancel the old line. The old contract is closed only once the new setup is verified. New line first, old line last.
We fully understand the importance of our service to our customers, so we put extra measures in place to make sure we get it right every time. All customers that switch to Wayv benefit from our ‘switch promise guarantee’.
Liam Parnell, Managing Director Wayv
Will I lose connection when I switch?
No – not if the switch is planned around an overlap period. Downtime only happens when a switch is rushed or the old line is cancelled too early, both of which a good provider avoids for you.
How long does it take to switch business broadband?
Plan around the timeframes below, measured from the day you sign the contract. Most switches complete faster than this.
| What’s switching | Timeframe to plan for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SoGEA broadband | Around 10 days | Often the quickest switch |
| Full-fibre (FTTP) | Around 30 days | Fastest where fibre is already live at your premises |
| Leased line | Up to 12 weeks | Longer lead time; involves physical install. Order early! |
| Notice on old contract | 30-90 days (varies by provider) | Check yours early and give notice in good time |
These are safe timeframes to plan around; individual switches are often quicker.
Frequently asked questions
Are there early exit fees?
After your minimum term, usually none. Leave mid-contract and you may pay the remaining months of line rental – timing your switch to your contract end avoids this.
Can I switch broadband and phone lines at the same time?
Yes absolutely – and it’s usually smoother, because one provider manages the whole timeline.
Switching to Wayv
We handle the whole switch – contract timing, install and the overlap. As a Sheffield-based provider, you get a local team that answers the phone and sees your switch through from start to finish.
Submit the form below, drop us a message or give us a call and we’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote.
Read more about our business broadband.
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