In short: To switch business broadband to BT, check your current contract end date and exit charges, check what BT can deliver at your address, choose a package, arrange to keep your phone numbers, place the order and only cancel your old provider once the new service and number ports are live.
Before you switch: check your current contract
Start with the paperwork for your existing broadband and phone lines:
- Contract end date: most business contracts have a minimum term. Leaving early usually means early termination charges, often based on the rest of the term.
- Notice period: some providers need written notice, and some contracts renew automatically if you don't give it.
- What else is on the account: phone lines, extra numbers, mobile SIMs, static IPs, email addresses and equipment rental.
- Equipment: whether the router or phone system is rented and has to be returned.
Don't assume your old provider will close everything automatically when the new service goes live. We check how your current provider handles the move and time the order so you don't pay twice for longer than necessary.
Step by step: switching to BT Business
- Check availability. We check exactly what BT can deliver at your address: full fibre (FTTP) at up to 900Mbps where it is built, or part fibre and SoGEA where it isn't. For a leased line, BT will need a survey.
- Choose the package. Pick from Essential, Enhanced and Pro on the BT business broadband packages page, or BT Business Ultra if you want a Cisco Meraki firewall built in. Add a static IP if you need one.
- Choose your voice service. Decide what replaces your phone lines: a digital phone line, BT Cloud Voice, BT Cloud Phone or Digital Voice for Business.
- List your numbers. Note every number you want to keep, including fax, alarm and direct-dial numbers.
- Place the order. We submit the order to BT and confirm the install date. Number ports are scheduled separately.
- Install day. The BT Business Smart Hub arrives, an engineer visits if the connection needs work, and you go live.
- Port your numbers. Your numbers move across on the agreed date.
- Cancel what's left. Once the new service works and the numbers have moved, close any remaining services with the old provider and return their equipment.
Keeping your phone numbers
In most cases you can keep your existing geographic and non-geographic numbers when you switch. The new provider requests the port, and the old provider releases the number on the agreed date.
Don't cancel your old line before the port completes. If a line is ceased first, the number can be lost. If you are moving to cloud voice, BT Cloud Voice numbers and porting on cloudvoice.cloud explains the process in detail.
If you are also changing what you use the line for, this is a good time to tidy up: numbers you no longer use can be dropped, and lines that only carried broadband may not be needed at all on SoGEA or full fibre.
What changes with digital lines
Because BT has stopped selling new traditional phone lines and says the PSTN will close by 31 January 2027, a switch now usually means moving to digital. That has a few practical effects:
- Calls run over your broadband, so a reliable connection matters more. Hybrid Backup on 4G helps keep you online.
- Old analogue phones and extensions may not work on a digital line. Depending on the service, they are replaced by an app, IP phones or a handset connected to the hub.
- Digital phone services rely on mains power at your premises, so they stop in a power cut unless you have battery backup. Keep a charged mobile for emergencies.
- Alarms, lift lines, card terminals, franking machines and door entry systems that use a phone line need checking with their suppliers. See the PSTN switch-off guide and alarm and special lines.
Install day and the first week
On install day, set aside time to connect the hub, check the Wi-Fi reaches every room and test calls in and out. On the Pro package, BT's Expert Set Up visit helps with this. If any rooms are weak, BT business Wi-Fi covers Complete Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Discs.
In the first week, switch on Web Threat Protect and Content Controls in your BT account if you want them, because BT supplies them switched off. See broadband security. Check that remote access, VPNs and CCTV still work if they relied on your old provider's IP address.
How we manage the switch
We review your current bills and contracts, check availability, recommend the package and voice service, place the order and track it to completion. We also co-ordinate the number ports and tell you when it is safe to cancel the old service.
If your contract is ending soon, look at BT business broadband deals for how to get value from the switch. Then contact us and ask us for a quote.
Why buy BT through Forever Communications
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner, supplying BT Business connectivity, voice and mobile services to UK organisations. You get BT's network with a named team who knows your account.
- Impartial advice on the right BT product for each site, from Essential, Enhanced, Pro and Ultra business broadband to BTnet and BT Ethernet
- One point of contact for availability checks, orders, installations, moves, upgrades, faults and renewals
- Ready for the PSTN switch-off: digital phone lines, SoGEA, BT Cloud Voice, BT Cloud Phone and Digital Voice for Business, with your numbers kept where possible
- Multi-site and sector know-how for schools, GP surgeries, retailers, hospitality venues and growing offices
- Mobile and security too: EE Business mobiles from BT Group, Hybrid Backup on the EE Business 4G network, and BT security options alongside our wider Cyber Essentials help
We sell to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations. We do not sell consumer or home products.
Want a BT Business quote for your sites?
Tell Forever Communications what you need and we will come back to you by email with options, not a hard sell.
Contact usFrequently asked questions
Can I keep my phone number when I switch to BT Business?
Usually, yes. Geographic and non-geographic numbers can normally be ported to BT. Don't cancel your old line first, as a ceased line can lose its number.
Do I need to cancel my old broadband provider myself?
Often, yes. Some services, such as extra lines, email or equipment rental, stay on the old account until you cancel them. Wait until your new BT service is live and your numbers have moved, then cancel what's left. We tell you when it's safe.
Will I have to pay to leave my current provider?
If you are still within your minimum term, your current provider may charge early termination fees. Check your contract end date first; we can help you time the switch.
Will my old phones work after switching to BT?
Not always. Older analogue phones and extensions may not work on a digital line. You may need IP phones, an adaptor or a cloud phone app instead.
Will I lose internet while I switch?
We plan the switch so the new connection is live before the old one is cancelled, which keeps any gap short. Ask us about temporary 4G cover if your install involves building work.