Changing provider

[edbostan]

When changing provider is it initiated by the new provider rather like changing energy suppliers or banks? I believe an easy switch method was supposed to have been introduced but broadband suppliers have resisted the change. What is the procedure, please?

[imjolly]

if existing BT residential customer moving to another ISP who uses openreach then you just need to place order with new ISP and they will notify BT

[edbostan]

For example, how do you know if Zen uses Openreach?

[imjolly]

according to google search Zen uses openreach - you can check for yourself

[jac_95]

Zen uses Openreach and other Alternative network providers as well such as City Fibre 

At the moment it's best to ask Zen if they will let your current provider know that you are moving your services to them.

Once One Touch Switch (OTS) is live then even though participating providers maybe on an Alternative network rather than Openreach they will let that existing provider know you are leaving. OTS is expected to go live with trialing providers in a few days time (although a 6 week delay is rumored)

More on OTS: https://www.thinkbroadband.com/guides/one-touch-switching

[edbostan]

Didn't realise how current my query is. OTS will be welcome by consumers who have been reluctant to change because of the complexity of the change and uncertainty of the process.

[iniltous]

You don’t seem to be well versed in switching broadband, when switching within Openreach providers , the current GPL ( gaining provider led ) process has been established for many years and isn’t ’resisted’ by anyone …as far as any individual ISP , (your question about Zen ) is one you raise with them ( nothing to do with BT ) , obviously if it’s GPL , and Zen were the ISP you wanted to use , you are already ( via GPL ) conversing with them , they obviously know even if you don’t , which networks they operate on.

The OTS ( one touch switching ) process isn’t up and running, it’s been delayed, and frankly it’s ludicrous to think it will persuade anyone that it make’s switching less complicated, it has no safeguards against slamming as an example, a new provider can takeover your service and you know nothing about it , with GPL you get a 10 day window to cancel , and get a sorry to see you leave letter , but the premise is the same you contact the provider you want to use , and leave it to them , the ‘new’ feature supposedly of OTS , once the company designing , building and rolling it out it get it working ( nothing to do with BT ) , it’s not just Openreach but all networks that will use OTS , so for example, if moving to Virgin from Sky , you currently have to let Sky know yourself ( Virgin not on Openreach ) with OTS you contact Virgin and they deal with notifications to Sky .