Leaving a broadband contract early: what it costs and when it is free.
Leave before your minimum term ends and most providers charge an early exit fee, usually close to the monthly charges left. But there are several situations in which Ofcom rules or provider promises let you leave without paying anything.
When you can leave without paying
If a provider raises prices in a way your contract did not set out, you can leave without an exit fee, usually within 30 days of being told. This applies to Sky, NOW and Gigaclear rises.
If your provider changes your contract in a way that is not to your benefit, Ofcom rules let you leave free. This also covers takeovers that change your terms.
Providers in Ofcom’s voluntary speed code give you a minimum speed when you sign. If it is not fixed within 30 days, you can leave without a penalty.
If you ordered online or by phone, you usually have 14 days to cancel. Some providers give 30 days.
What each provider charges to leave early
From provider terms. Many providers deduct costs they save, such as line rental, from the charges left.
| Provider | Exit fee | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| BT | The monthly charges left, minus costs BT saves and 1% | 30 days |
| Sky | The monthly rate for each month left | 14 days |
| Virgin Media | About 78–96% of the charges left, no cap | 30 days |
| Vodafone | 80% of the monthly charge, less discounts, per month left | Not published |
| EE | The charges left, minus costs saved and 1%, plus VAT | Not published |
| TalkTalk | £11.25 per month left on Full Fibre, £10.20 on Fibre | 30 days |
| Plusnet | Based on the months left (BT Group method) | Not published |
| Community Fibre | Monthly charge × months left × 90% | 30 days |
| Hyperoptic | The charges left, minus costs saved | 30 days |
| Zzoomm | £399 in month 1, falling to about £17 in month 24 | Not published |
| KCOM | (Charge − costs saved − 4.5%) × months left, max 90% | Not published |
| WightFibre | None: every contract is 30 days | 30 days |
Facts checked 24 October 2026. “Not published” means the provider does not state it. Open a provider for the full terms.
How to pay less when you leave
YouFibre (up to £300), Fibrus (£400), Lightspeed (£350), Quickline (£300) and Trooli (£200 credit) help pay off an old contract.
Your provider must tell you 10 to 40 days before your minimum term ends. Switching then costs nothing.
Many providers let you take your contract with you. Ask before paying a fee.
Exit fees usually cover only the minimum term. Once out of contract, you only give notice, often 30 days.
See what you could switch to
Leaving a broadband contract early: common questions
Can I leave my broadband contract early?
Yes, but most providers charge an exit fee close to the monthly charges left in your minimum term. You can leave free after a rise or change that was not in your contract, if a promised minimum speed is not fixed within 30 days, or within the cooling-off period.
How much does it cost to leave BT early?
BT charges the monthly charges left, minus costs it saves and a 1% discount, with 30 days’ notice. For example, £35 a month with 4 months left costs about £67.
Which providers have no exit fees?
WightFibre’s contracts are all 30 days, so there are no exit fees. Rolling monthly plans from providers such as Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, YouFibre and Zzoomm also have none, but cost more per month.
Can I leave if my provider is taken over?
If the new owner changes your contract in a way that is not to your benefit, Ofcom rules let you leave without an exit fee.
Facts checked 24 October 2026 against Ofcom rules and provider terms. How we make money →