Switching Broadband in Ireland: What to Check Before You Move

Switching broadband to save money makes sense. But the cheapest deal today isn't always the cheapest deal in two years. Before you sign up, here's what to actually check.

Why People Switch Broadband

The most common reasons:

• Bills that keep creeping up
• A contract that's finally ended
• Slow or unreliable connection
• Moving home
• A new offer that looks too good to ignore

That last one is where most people get caught out.

1. Are You Still in Contract?

Most broadband contracts in Ireland run for 12 to 24 months. Leaving early usually means an exit fee.

Check:

• When did you sign up?
• Has the minimum term passed?
• Has your provider recently raised prices? (In some cases this lets you exit without penalty — worth checking)

2. Don't Just Look at the Monthly Price

This is where broadband providers make their money.

A €25/month offer sounds great. Then month 13 arrives and it doubles.

Before signing up, find out:

• What does the price become after the introductory period?
• Are annual CPI increases built in?
• What’s the actual total cost over 2 to 5 years?

The advertised price and the real price are often very different things. That’s not an accident.

3. Watch for Hidden Charges

Your monthly bill isn’t always the whole story. Look out for:

• Installation or activation fees
• Router delivery charges
• Cancellation fees
• Equipment return charges

Ask for a full cost breakdown before you commit. Any provider worth switching to should have no problem giving you one.

4. Check What Speeds Are Available at Your Address

National speed claims don’t always reflect what you’ll actually get at your door.

• Check availability for your exact eircode
• Ask for estimated speeds at your property
• Consider how many people are using the connection

Usage	Recommended Speed
Browsing & email	50 Mbps+
HD streaming	100 Mbps+
Multiple users	300 Mbps+
Remote working	300 Mbps+
Gaming + streaming together	500 Mbps+

5. Understand the Contract — All of It

Low introductory pricing often comes with a 24-month commitment. That’s fine if you know what you’re agreeing to.

Check:

• Minimum contract term
• Early termination fees
• Notice period to cancel
• What happens if prices increase mid-contract

At Imagine, if you do decide to leave, there’s a €60 service wrap-up charge. That’s it. No hidden exit fees, no penalty clauses.

6. What Happens If You Move?

If you’re likely to move home in the next year or two, ask your new provider upfront:

• Can the service move with me?
• Are there transfer or reconnection fees?
• What if the service isn’t available at my new address?
• Am I still liable for contract charges if coverage doesn’t reach my new home?

7. Who Handles the Switch?

Most of the time, your new provider manages the process. But you should still confirm:

• Who cancels the existing service?
• Will there be any gap in connection?
• When does billing end with your current provider?

8. Think Beyond Speed

Fast broadband matters. So does everything around it.

Price stability

Will your bill be the same in three years, or is it going to creep up? Some providers build annual CPI increases into the small print. With Imagine, the price is frozen until December 2030.

Flexibility

Can you leave if your circumstances change, or are you locked in for 24 months?

Support

How easy is it to speak to someone if something goes wrong?

For a lot of households, knowing exactly what they’ll pay every month is worth just as much as the download speed.

Questions to Ask Before You Switch

• Am I still in contract?
• What are the exit fees?
• What will I actually pay over the next 2–5 years?
• Are there installation or activation charges?
• What speeds are available at my eircode?
• What happens if I move?
• Are annual price increases included?

If you can answer all of these, you’re much less likely to end up in the same situation you were trying to leave.

Check What’s Available at Your Address

Enter your eircode to see what’s available, and what it’ll actually cost you, now and in five years.

Check availability

No introductory pricing. No annual increases. Price frozen until December 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does switching broadband take in Ireland?

Most switches complete within a few weeks, depending on your current provider and whether an engineer visit is needed.

Can I switch if I’m still in contract?

Yes, but you’ll likely pay an exit fee. Check your contract terms — or check whether a recent price increase gives you the right to leave penalty-free.

Do I need to cancel my old broadband myself?

Usually your new provider handles it. Confirm this before assuming — you don’t want to be paying two bills.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when switching?

Choosing on the introductory price alone. The price you see on day one is rarely the price you’ll pay in year two.

Can I keep my existing phone number when switching broadband?

In most cases yes, though this depends on your provider and the services being transferred. Worth confirming before you switch.