Phone & internet
Phone & internet · the UK
Checked 2026-10-14

📝 What must I get before I sign a phone or internet contract in the UK, and can I change my mind?

The short answer

Before you sign, your provider must give you a free contract summary. The contract only takes effect once you've agreed after receiving it, and the summary then becomes part of your contract.

Before you sign, you should get the key terms in writing: price, term, speed and how to leave. In many countries a short contract summary is required, and contracts made online, by phone or at your door usually come with a cooling-off period. The rules for the UK are below.

Official source: ofcom.org.uk · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in the UK

The details

  • The summary is one page, or three pages for bundled services, and you must also get more detailed contract information before you're bound. (ofcom.org.uk)
  • The summary must show the core subscription price and any price changes the contract sets out. (ofcom.org.uk)
  • For a contract made online, by phone or away from a shop, you can cancel within 14 days of the day it was made, without giving a reason. (legislation.gov.uk)

Ofcom

The UK communications regulator. It sets and enforces the rules for phone and broadband providers. It can't investigate or resolve individual complaints, but reporting faults and problems to it helps it act on wider issues.

📞 0300 123 3333🔗 ofcom.org.uk
Official source: ofcom.org.uk · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. Ask for the contract summaryRead the price after any discount, the minimum term, the speeds and the conditions for leaving.
  2. Keep everythingSave the summary, the contract and the offer you were shown, with the date.
  3. Know your cooling-off periodIf you signed online, by phone or at your door, check how long you have to change your mind.
  4. Cancel in a way you can proveUse the form or address the provider gives, and keep proof of when you sent it.

📇 Who to contact

OfcomThe UK communications regulator. It sets and enforces the rules for phone and broadband providers. It can't investigate or resolve individual complaints, but reporting faults and problems to it helps it act on wider issues.📞 0300 123 3333🔗 www.ofcom.org.uk
Citizens AdviceIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.

❓ Questions

Does the cooling-off period apply to a contract signed in a shop?

Usually not: it normally covers contracts made online, by phone or away from the shop.

Do I pay for days I already used?

If you asked for the service to start during the cooling-off period, you may have to pay for the days you used.

What if I never got a contract summary?

Tell the provider in writing and ask the regulator what this means for your contract in the UK.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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