Using your own router or modem in the UK

The short answer

The net neutrality rules, kept in UK law after Brexit, give you the right to use terminal equipment of your choice, such as your own router. Ofcom's guidance says providers may only insist on their own equipment where that is technically necessary.

Many people prefer their own router. Whether your provider must let you connect it, and which details it must give you to set it up, depends on the rules in the UK.

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

📜 The rules in the UK

The details

The right is in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2120 as it applies in the UK: you may use terminal equipment of your choice via your internet access service. (legislation.gov.uk)
Ofcom notes that a router not supplied by your provider can give better wifi, but may be tricky to set up, and your provider may not be able to help if a problem occurs. (ofcom.org.uk)
According to Ofcom, restricting tethering, which shares your phone's internet connection with other devices, is likely to breach your right to use the equipment of your choice. (ofcom.org.uk)
Providers can't sell locked phones, so you should be able to keep using your phone with a new provider. (ofcom.org.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

Check that it fits your lineMake sure the router supports your type of connection: fibre, cable, DSL or mobile.
Ask for the access detailsYou need the login data and settings for the internet connection and, if you have one, for phone service over the internet.
Keep or return the provider’s deviceAsk whether you must return a rented router, and whether you keep paying for it.
If the provider refusesAsk for the refusal in writing and contact the regulator or the dispute body.

📇 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

❓ Questions

Will the provider still help me if something goes wrong?

Providers usually support the connection itself, not equipment you bought. Keep their device and settings so you can test with them.

Do I still pay for the provider’s router?

Check your contract. If the router is rented, ask whether you can stop paying when you use your own.

Will my own router make my internet faster?

It can improve your Wi‑Fi, but the speed of the line itself stays the same.

📎 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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📡 Can I use my own router or modem instead of the provider’s in the UK?