Can I end my phone or broadband contract early and are there fees involved? Virgin, Sky, BT rules explained
Getting out of your contract early can end up becoming expensive. But how much are the fees? And how to avoid them? Here's our guide
FED up with your mobile firm or broadband provider? Getting out of your contract early can end up becoming expensive and stressful.
But how much are the fees? And how can you avoid them? Here's what you need to know.
Can I end my mobile or broadband contract early?
Yes. You are free to cancel your contract at any point - but in most cases you'll have to pay a hefty fee.
For example, if you signed up to an 18-month contract and want to cancel in the second month, you might have to pay 16 months' worth of fees, according to consumer group .
The notice period you need to give for cancelling your contract may vary from provider to provider.
Sky customers can cancel by calling 03300 413 018 or using the live chat function on the website.
Virgin
Someone with five months left on their contract would pay £229.24.
Call 150 from your Virgin Media phone or mobile, or 0345 454 1111 from any other phone to disconnect.
BT
BT's contracts usually last 12 months, but it does also have some lasting 18 or 24 months deals.
If you must leave while still in-contract, you will be charged.
To stop your BT products (such as phone, broadband, TV, Calling Features), you'll also need to give the provider a minimum 30 days' notice.
Otherwise, the early exit fee is the total of the remaining amount you would have paid up to the end of your minimum period.
The provider subtracts the costs it saves as a result of you leaving early plus 1% if it gets your final payment early.
How hefty are the fees at Sky, Virgin and BT
HERE's how much it will cost you in cancellation fees on average, based on data from uSwitch
- BT Broadband (inclusive of line rental ) - between £10.25 - £33.50 for every month remaining on contract.
- BT Mobile - between £6 - £43.75 for every month remaining on contract
- Sky Broadband (inclusive of line rental) - between £10.23 - £22.90 for every month remaing on contract
- Sky Mobile - between £2.50 - £14..95 for every month remainig on contract
- Virgin Broaband - between £10 to £24 for every month remaining on contract.
Those cancelling BT without switching to a new provider, need to make a phone call. Ensure you have your account details to hand and call: 0800 783 1401.
How to complain if you're unhappy with your fees?
Under Ofcom rules, providers must ensure that their cancellation processes are as straightforward as possible.
Providers also shouldn't put people off from changing to a rival company by, for example, having excessive early termination charges.
In fact, Ofcom is currently investigating the fairness of Virgin Media’s early termination charges after customers were hit with a £240 penalty after moving to an area with no coverage.
If you want to complain about your fees, you'll need to speak directly to your provider and you can do it for free via online complaints tool .
Unhappy with their answer? You can escalate it to the free (or if you're complaining about Virgin Media).
And if that doesn't lead to anything, you can submit it to , to be used when it's deciding what to investigate next.
Remember that Ofcom doesn't deal with individual complaints.
How to exit the contract without paying a penalty fee?
If you want to switch to get a better deal elsewhere, there are ways to get out of your contract without paying hefty fees.
A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “Cancelling a phone or broadband service should be straightforward and hassle-free.
"Our rules give customers the right to exit their contracts penalty-free in certain circumstances, while also requiring providers to treat anyone wishing to cancel fairly.”
Here's how you can get out of your contract without being charged extra:
- Get out during "Cooling off period": Most broadband providers have a so-called cooling-off period between seven and up to 14 days.
If you change your mind during that short period of time you'll be able to exit your contract without paying a penalty. - If your broadband or mobile provider hikes its prices: New Ofcom rules mean that if your provider raises its prices unexpectedly through your contract period - even by a penny - you can exit your contract without penalty.
Do make sure you're quick off the mark following a price rise. - If the deal was mis-sold to you: If the service you're receiving isn’t as described to you by the salesperson in the shop, you have been mis-sold, which is a breach of your broadband consumer rights.
- If your internet is slow enough: Customers will soon be able to leave their contracts at any point without paying, if their broadband is slow enough.
This includes BT, EE, Sky and TalkTalk but Virgin Media - which uses a cable-based system - is not affected.
This right to exit a contract will also apply, for the first time, to landline and TV packages bought together with broadband.
These new rules should be in place by early next year.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at money@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.