The good the bad and the ugly. Read honest John Lewis broadband reviews.
Our broadband deals are often cheaper than going direct
Switching your broadband provider is a less painful exercise than it used to be. Before you begin the process, it's definitely worth making sure that you're outside of your contract tie-in with your current broadband provider. If you aren't then you will face a financial penalty and will probably be required to pay for each month that you have left on your contract. If you would like to switch to John Lewis broadband and your contract has ended, there is no need to contact your existing supplier. The switching process will be triggered by John Lewis. The exception to this is if your current provider is Virgin Media. In this instance, you will need to contact both John Lewis and Virgin Media to co-ordinate the start of your new service with the end of your old one. If you're ready to start looking for a John Lewis broadband deal, just enter your postcode into our John Lewis broadband calculator above to see which John Lewis broadband deals are available in your area.
The simple answer is YES! As long as you're not moving house away from your current telephone exchange. The telecoms regulator Ofcom clearly stipulate that if you have not moved, your old provider must allow your number to be transferred.
Here's what we think of John Lewis
From the moment you order your new John Lewis broadband online to the date of installation is usually no more than 12 working days. This does not mean that you will be without service for 12 working days. The switch over process is normally completed within a few hours on the date of installation, so internet down time is minimal. If you don’t currently have a phone line, or are currently with Virgin Media, then this will delay the process as the broadband switch over cannot be completed until a phone line has been installed.
With any standard (i.e. ADSL) broadband connection the broadband is sent down the copper phone line. Even if you have Superfast fibre broadband the last part of the connection from the telephone exchange to your property still requires the phone line. Virgin Media is the only broadband provider in the UK who can deliver fixed line broadband without a phone line. This is because Virgin don’t use BT’s infrastructure. Instead, they use their own fibre-optic network. Virgin broadband is not available to all properties in the UK but, if you are in a city or built up area, you are more likely to have the option of getting broadband without a phone line.
If you're only switching your broadband to John Lewis and not your telephone service, then your switch over should be almost seamless. If you are switching both your phone and broadband provider, this will require an Engineer to visit your local telephone exchange. The switch over is usually complete within 3 hours of disconnection. If you are switching from Virgin Media, it is possible to keep your old broadband connection active until your John Lewis broadband has been installed and is live.
In June 2015 Ofcom made it easier for consumers to switch their phone or broadband supplier. You no longer need to contact your current provider for a MAC code (Migration Authorisation Code). The switching process is entirely handled by your new supplier (John Lewis). This helps to avoid lengthy phone calls to your old provider.
