The Complete Broadband Installation Guide 2024

Can you install broadband yourself?

In some cases, you will be able to install the internet yourself without the help of an engineer. This is likely the case if you already have a phone line installed or are switching between providers on the same network. If you’re given the option of self-installation, the router will be delivered to you in the post with the necessary instructions.

Virgin Media also lets you install your internet yourself in some cases. This applies if your home is already connected to Virgin’s network or you are simply upgrading your plan.

You won’t be able to self-install your internet if you need a fixed phone line installed. This will probably be the case if you’re living in a new property that has never had internet or are upgrading to a certain type of deal. This will also be the case if you’re switching to a network such as Virgin Media, which does not use Openreach’s network, to one that does or vice versa.

When you upgrade from ADSL to a fibre-optic broadband service, an engineer is likely to need to pay you a visit to complete the installation process. This kind of switch involves laying down fibre-optic cables from a nearby cabinet to your home. If you require an engineer visit, you will probably have to pay an installation fee. That said, some providers do offer ultrafast FTTP (fibre-to-the-premises) internet with no installation costs.

Which providers allow you to install broadband yourself?

Well-known providers BT, Sky and Virgin offer internet packages you can install yourself. This will be the case if you already have all the necessary fibre cables at the property. Here’s a quick rundown of all of the major broadband providers offering internet deals you can install yourself:

Virgin Media

Virgin owns and operates its own network. This means you’ll need to have cables laid to your home connecting you to Virgin’s network. If you’ve had Virgin internet within the past three years, you should have all the necessary cabling so you’ll have the option to assemble your new internet connection yourself with the ‘QuickStart’ pack. This kit offers detailed instructions on how to activate your router, which usually takes no longer than a couple of hours.

Be aware that the QuickStart kit comes with an extra charge unless there’s a special offer that includes the kit free of charge to new customers. Compare Virgin Media deals to find a fibre broadband deal for you.

Compare Virgin Media broadband deals

BT

You can connect BT internet yourself if you already have a landline installed. Once your smart hub arrives in the post, you can set it up immediately following the instructions in the box. Unlike Virgin Media, BT’s self-installation process is free of charge.

If you need a new landline, you’ll have to pay to get one installed, which usually costs £140. You won’t be able to self-install in this case as it requires the help of a professional. Compare BT broadband deals on our dedicated page.

Compare BT broadband deals

NOW Broadband

NOW offers internet plans that you can set up yourself and a detailed internet set-up checklist to make it easy for you. This won’t be the case if you don’t already have a fixed line, in which case it will need to be installed by a technician.

There’s also an option to self-install your home phone and NOW TV package. To make it easier, you’ll get a microfilter included with your internet package, allowing you to use the same socket for your broadband and phone package. Explore NOW Broadband deals on our page.

Sky

Sky internet and phone can be activated remotely if you have a suitable landline installed. Sky TV will need to be installed by a technician due to the need for a satellite dish. There are, however, other ways to access Sky without needing a technician:

• Opt for NOW TV and bundle it with Sky internet. This option is also cheaper than getting a Sky TV box.
• Consider the Sky Glass streaming TV. It is a smart TV that provides access to all Sky TV channels when connected to the internet.

Compare Sky broadband deals

Vodafone

Vodafone internet is very easy to self-install if you don’t need a fixed line. The set-up kit is comprehensive and simple. The supplier will send you your new router days before your go-live date.

To get set up, just connect your router to the master phone socket before 8am on your go-live date and leave it switched on throughout the day. Wait for the provider to notify you about your connection, which should be ready by midnight on that same day. Vodafone will update you on the status of your connection at some point during the day, so you won’t need to keep an eye on the router. Discover Vodafone broadband plans on our dedicated page.

Compare Vodafone broadband deals

How do you set up broadband yourself?

If you can self-install your internet plan, the process is simple and should only take a couple of minutes:

1. Receive your new internet hub in the post before your go-live date.
2. Plug your router into your master phone socket on the agreed date.
3. Switch your router on and check that it’s working.
4. Connect your devices to your new wireless hub.

The advantage of self-installation is that it is typically free to assemble. It is also the quickest way to get connected, since you don’t need to schedule a visit from an engineer. Openreach’s fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network requires additional wires that need to be installed by a professional, so in this case you’ll always need to book an appointment for a technician to come to your home.

New connections can be unstable for the first few hours after they go live. If this is the case, it should regulate itself within 24 hours.

What type of broadband do you need?

Depending on what type of broadband service you choose, the installation process will differ. As mentioned previously, non-standard internet often requires the support of a technician. Here’s a quick and easy explanation of what each internet type can offer:

ADSL

Traditionally known as standard broadband, it is the most basic form of internet. If you’re looking for a cheap broadband deal, ADSL may be the right choice for you. It can only provide an average download speed of up to 10Mbps, however, which is only sufficient for small households with no more than four devices and low usage. This type of connection can support basic tasks like sending emails and web browsing.

If you have a medium or large household, or simply enjoy streaming and playing video games online, you’ll most likely need an FTTC or FTTP connection. If you’re considering changing providers to switch from standard internet to fibre broadband, take a look at our guide on how to change providers.

Fibre broadband

Fibre broadband is high-speed internet and is usually the best option for those with average to high usage. There are two types of fibre connection:

• Fibre-to-the cabinet (FTTC): can offer download speeds of up to 100Mbps.
• Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) or full fibre: the quickest internet connection, with speeds of up to 1Gbps (1,000Mbps).

Full fibre offers much faster speeds because the wires that run from the property all the way to the exchange are fibre-optic, whereas FTTC combines superfast fibre cables with standard copper ones.

Installing broadband in a new home

If you’re setting up the internet in a new home, you are likely to need to get a fixed line put in first. A fixed-line connection will have to be put in by an engineer who will visit the property on a date you both agree on. The installation of new cables usually isn’t free, often costing anywhere between £60 and £140.

Once a phone line is in place, the technician will make sure your home has internet access and will plug in your hub. Once this process is complete, you should be able to use the internet. If your home is on a new development block, you may find your choice of broadband providers is limited. This is normal and the number of suppliers operating in your area should increase over time.

What does fibre broadband installation involve?

In some cases, you can install fibre broadband yourself if your home already has a phone line installed. Only suppliers that use the BT Openreach network require you to have a phone line to install fibre broadband. Most major UK networks use Openreach, with Virgin Media being the only major provider offering ultrafast broadband without the need for a fixed line.

If you’re opting for full-fibre internet and already have a phone line, an engineer will probably still have to do some work outside the property. The supplier will let you know when this work is due to take place and set a date for your internet connection to go live. You won’t necessarily need to be home, though this varies depending on your situation.

How long does internet installation take?

In most cases, broadband installation takes between five and 14 days, although this depends on the type of connection and the provider you choose. Enquire with the broadband provider before you sign up, as you may need certain cables or access points installed in your home before you can install a new router. In this case, it can take anywhere between two and four weeks.

If you’re not in a rush to get broadband installed, consider choosing your broadband deal based on other qualities, such as cost, speeds and other benefits that may be on offer to new customers.

How long does installation take when I switch?

If you’re switching from one Openreach provider to another, the switch will likely take anywhere between four and 14 days. This is because you will already have a fixed line installed, making the process quick and easy. This is the case for most major broadband suppliers, including Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, Vodafone and BT. In this case, you can install the internet yourself without the need for a technician.

Virgin Media operates its own network, so you’ll need different cables if you’re switching to or from this provider. While new wiring may be a frustrating prospect, Virgin does offer one of the fastest, most reliable fibre-optic broadband internet deals in the UK. The switch and installation process may take up to 30 days, however, which is something to consider before you make your decision.

You will need to book an engineer’s visit if you’re upgrading your broadband. If you’re switching from ADSL to FTTC, for example, or from FTTC to FTTP, copper cables will need to be replaced with fibre-optic ones in some places. This is the case regardless of which providers you’re switching between and is likely to prolong the installation process. Find out more about changing providers in our guide.

How long does internet and TV installation take?

As mentioned above, it can take anywhere from a few days to 30 days to get your new internet deal up and running. This will depend on the provider and type of connection you choose, as well as whether you need a technician to visit your home. The time it takes to connect your TV deal also varies in length but, in most cases, expect it to be installed on the same day as your internet connection. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of TV packages and how long you can expect to wait for it to be installed:

Streaming services

The quickest and easiest type of TV deal is a set-top box with streaming services, such as those offered by NOW TV. BT, TalkTalk, Sky and NOW Broadband all offer the possibility to bundle one of their internet packages with a NOW TV membership. This TV deal can be installed on the same day as your new internet because it only requires WiFi. Depending on your TV set, you may also be able to access additional streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer at no additional cost.

Satellite or aerial

If you’re opting for aerial or satellite TV and the infrastructure isn’t in place, it will take longer to install your TV package. This is the case with Freeview, YouView or Sky TV, which can take up to four weeks to install. If you already have the necessary aerial or satellite on the roof of your home, the internet and TV deal will be installed as soon as possible.

Cable TV

This is only offered by Virgin, so your home needs to have Virgin broadband installed to access it. Once your Virgin broadband package is up and running, connecting your TV plan will take a few hours at most. This process is quick because Virgin customers already have the necessary cabling in place.

How much does broadband installation cost?

The cost of installing internet varies from provider to provider. If you’re installing your internet connection yourself, it is likely it will be free to do so – unless you’re with Virgin.

If you can’t assemble your internet connection yourself because you need a phone line installed or additional FTTP cabling, expect to pay an extra cost of £60 to £140. This said, providers will occasionally have special offers with free installation. Enquire about all of the provider’s costs before you decide on a package. Other additional internet costs are highlighted below:

Additional broadband costs

1. On-time activation fee: Even if the installation process is free, the provider might charge a one-time fee when they activate your internet remotely.
2. Line rental: Suppliers don’t always advertise the cost of line rental but you may find it to be expensive when you break down the price of your broadband deal. Shop around to find value for money broadband.
3. Free hardware: The ISP (internet service provider) might offer the latest wireless hub to new customers when they join but will still charge extra for it.
4. Calling customer service: You may be charged if you call customer support on the premium rate number. Try to find the provider’s local rate number online.
5. Security Software: Many suppliers offer security software as part of their package to protect you and your family when you’re online. Some only offer a trial period and will charge you a monthly rate for security after this period is over.

Cancellation charges: Expect to pay an early termination fee if you cancel your internet mid-contract.