Moving house is stressful enough without being left without internet access for weeks while a new broadband connection is set up. Whether you’re relocating for a few months or waiting for your permanent provider to activate your line, there are several good temporary internet options available in the UK that can keep you connected during the transition.
The most common cause of an internet gap when moving is the time it takes for a new broadband connection to be installed at your new address. Standard fibre and ADSL setups can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, particularly if an engineer visit is required or if the property has never had broadband installed before. If you’ve given notice at your old address and are moving soon, this can leave an awkward window with no home internet at all.
One of the simplest solutions is mobile broadband, sometimes called a WiFi dongle or MiFi device. These small, portable devices use a SIM card and mobile network signal (usually 4G or 5G) to create a WiFi hotspot you can use with your laptop, phone, or smart TV. Because there’s no engineer visit or cabling required, you can often get one delivered and working within a day or two, making it ideal for bridging the gap between house moves. Many providers offer these on a rolling monthly contract with no long-term commitment, so you can cancel once your permanent broadband is up and running.
Another option is a mobile hotspot directly from your smartphone. Most modern phone plans allow tethering, where your phone shares its mobile data connection with other devices over WiFi or a cable. This can work well for light use, such as checking emails or browsing, though it may not be ideal for heavy streaming or video calls, and it can drain your phone’s data allowance and battery quickly.
For those who need a slightly more robust temporary setup, some providers offer specific short-term or 30-day rolling broadband contracts designed for people in temporary accommodation, renting short-term, or between permanent addresses. These work similarly to standard home broadband but without being tied into a long 12 or 24 month contract, giving you flexibility if you’re not sure how long you’ll be at your new place.
If you know your move date in advance, the best strategy is to book your new broadband installation as early as possible, ideally as soon as you have a confirmed moving date, since slots for engineer visits can get booked up, particularly around popular moving periods. Many UK providers also offer a ‘moving home’ service that lets you transfer your existing broadband package to a new address, sometimes with an option to keep using a mobile router in the meantime if there’s a gap between the old service ending and the new one starting.
It’s also worth checking whether your current provider offers a free or discounted dongle while you wait, as some do this as a goodwill gesture for existing customers, particularly if delays are on their end rather than your own.
Ultimately, the right temporary internet solution depends on how long you expect to be without a permanent connection and how heavily you rely on the internet for work or entertainment. For short gaps, a mobile dongle or phone hotspot is usually sufficient. For longer stints, or if you’re not sure how long you’ll be staying, a short-term rolling broadband contract might offer a better balance of reliability and flexibility while you get settled into your new home.
Whichever route you choose, it’s worth ordering or setting up your temporary solution a few days before your actual move date, rather than waiting until moving day itself, since even quick-setup options like dongles can take a day or two to arrive by post once ordered.