Broadband and media

The short answer

Broadband is one of the slower services to arrange when moving, since some providers need a new line installed or an engineer visit, which can take two to three weeks to book. Starting the process as soon as your date of entry is known reduces the risk of a gap in service, and checking what infrastructure already exists at the new property helps you choose the fastest option.

Transferring versus switching provider

Staying with the same provider is often the simplest option if they cover the new address, since it can mean less admin and sometimes no new contract. Switching providers at the same time as moving can secure a better deal but usually needs more lead time to arrange installation.

What affects installation time

Full-fibre availability varies by street, and properties without existing fibre may need an engineer visit to install new infrastructure, which takes longer than activating an existing line. Flats in shared tenement buildings sometimes need permission from a factor or landlord for external cabling work.

• Check what broadband infrastructure is already at the property
• Book installation as early as possible once the date of entry is fixed
• Ask about a mobile dongle or hotspot as a bridge if there is a gap
• Confirm TV aerial or satellite dish condition if relevant

Ending the old contract

Check your notice period with the outgoing provider, as most require 30 days' notice, and confirm whether any early termination fee applies if you are within a minimum contract term.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• Standard broadband installation: often free or a nominal fee with a new contract; full new-line installs can cost £50–£100 if not waived
• Early termination fees on the old contract: variable, sometimes several months of the remaining charge
• Mobile broadband dongle as a bridge: typically £20–£40 per month on a short rolling contract

What to do, in order

1. 1Check broadband availability and speed at the new address
2. 2Decide whether to transfer your existing provider or switch
3. 3Book installation as soon as the date of entry is confirmed
4. 4Give notice to the outgoing provider, checking the required notice period
5. 5Arrange a mobile dongle as a bridge if there is likely to be a gap
6. 6Confirm TV aerial, satellite or streaming setup at the new property

Local detail for the Lothians

• Full-fibre coverage varies across Edinburgh and the Lothians, so checking availability at the exact new address is worthwhile before choosing a provider
• Tenement flats in the New Town or Old Town sometimes require factor permission for external cabling, which can add time to installation
• In more rural parts of East Lothian, some properties rely on satellite or fixed-wireless broadband rather than full fibre, which affects installation timelines
• Newer developments in commuter towns such as Livingston often have full-fibre already installed, which can mean a same-day activation

Common questions

How far ahead should I book broadband installation?

Two to three weeks is a sensible minimum, longer if a new line needs to be installed rather than an existing one activated.

Do I need factor permission for a satellite dish?

In many tenement buildings, yes — check the title deeds or factor's rules before installing external equipment.

Related pages

• Utilities and council tax

  Setting up gas, electricity, water and council tax when you move into a Scottish property.

• Changing your address

  Who to tell when you move, and a sensible order to work through the list.

• Moving home checklist

  A week-by-week plan covering everything from instructing a solicitor to collecting the keys.