Title: Switching Telecommunication Operators in Belgium: The Complete 2025 Guide

Summary:

Switching telecom providers in Belgium is simpler than it seems. Whether you want to change your mobile plan, internet subscription, or bundled pack, Belgian law guarantees an easy process with the possibility to keep your number. In this guide, we explain how Easy Switch works, what to expect when switching mobile or internet providers, and the common misconceptions to avoid — so you can make a confident choice and find the best plan for your needs.

Switching Telecommunication Operators in Belgium: The Complete 2025 Guide

Changing your telecom provider in Belgium can seem intimidating, but the process is actually designed to be simple and consumer-friendly. Belgian law guarantees that you can switch freely between operators, whether it's for your mobile plan, internet, TV, or bundled packs. You normally get to keep your number, avoid long service interruptions, and in many cases, pay no penalties.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about switching: how Easy Switch works, what to expect when changing mobile providers, what happens when you switch internet and packs, and finally, we'll debunk the most common misconceptions.

Why Switch Telecom Providers?

The Belgian market is competitive, with offers constantly evolving. Comparing plans regularly can help you:

• Save money on monthly bills
• Benefit from faster internet or better coverage
• Access new services like fiber or more flexible bundles

Thanks to consumer protection laws, switching has never been easier - and in many cases, you won't pay anything to do it.

Easy Switch: Hassle-Free Internet and TV plan Changes

The Belgian regulator (BIPT) introduced Easy Switch to simplify moving between internet and TV providers. With this procedure, you only need to deal with your new provider. They'll handle everything else, including cancelling your old contract.

Here's what happens step by step:

1. When you subscribe to a new provider, you give them your Easy Switch ID (found on your bill or online account).
2. Your new provider contacts your old one to cancel the contract.
3. Service continuity is managed between providers, so you aren't left without internet or TV.
4. If your bundle includes a fixed phone line, you can keep your number at no cost. During signup, you'll simply be asked if you want to keep it.

Important: Do not contact your old provider yourself. Only your new provider should handle the cancellation to ensure smooth continuity.

Switching Mobile Providers in Belgium

Changing mobile operator is one of the fastest and easiest switches. To make it clearer, let's look first at the different plan types and then the switch process.

Types of Mobile Plans

Prepaid: You top up credit before using your phone. You can switch at any time, with no penalty.

Postpaid (subscription): You pay monthly after usage. You can cancel at any time. However, Belgian law states that if you've had your contract for more than 6 months, you cannot be charged any penalty for cancelling.

Smartphone contracts: If you received a subsidized phone with your subscription, the repayment period is usually up to 24 months.

• You can switch earlier by paying the remaining phone balance.
• Or you can wait until the repayment date, after which you can switch without any fees.

Keeping Your Mobile Number

Most people want to keep their mobile number. This is called number portability, and it's free. When signing up with a new provider (online, by phone, or in-store), you'll be asked for your current SIM card number (ICCID). You can find this number printed on your SIM card or in your phone settings. Once provided, your new provider takes care of the transfer automatically.

The Switching Process

Here's what to expect when you change mobile provider:

New SIM card:

• If your phone supports eSIM or your old SIM is compatible, you might not need a new card.
• Otherwise, your new provider will send you a SIM by post (usually 1–3 working days) or let you pick it up in-store.

Activation:

1. Once you insert the new SIM, your number will be switched over.
2. The actual portability is completed within 1 working day.
3. You'll only lose service for a few minutes during the activation.

Switching Internet and Pack Providers

Switching internet or bundles (internet + TV + fixed phone + mobile) is straightforward, but it requires a bit of coordination to ensure a smooth transition.

The 6-Month Rule

Belgian law allows you to cancel any telecom contract (mobile, internet, TV, or packs) after 6 months without penalty. If you cancel before 6 months, your provider may charge a termination indemnity. In some cases, you may also need to repay advantages you received, such as a subsidized smartphone.

Same Network vs Different Technology

The ease of switching depends on whether both providers use the same network technology:

Same network (e.g., both operators using Proximus copper or both using Telenet's cable): Often only an activation is needed. A technician visit is not always required, making the process faster. If you want to know which providers use the same network, we've also created an article on the topic. If you would like to know whether your current and new operators use the same technology, we created a dedicated article on the topic.

Different technology (e.g., moving from cable to fiber): A technician will need to install equipment in your home. This can take a few days to two weeks, depending on technician availability.

Booking Installation Early

To avoid a “gap” where your old connection ends before the new one is installed, book your installation date with your new provider as soon as possible. This ensures your old service remains active until the new one is ready.

Keeping Your Fixed Number

If you want to keep your fixed phone number, you must explicitly request number portability when signing up with your new provider and give them your existing number.

Switching Within the Same Provider (e.g., upgrading to fiber)

If you change from a regular product to a fiber plan with the same provider, it's treated as a new contract. That means the 6-month rule applies again from the start of your fiber subscription. If you later want to leave that provider, you may need to wait until the 6 months are over to avoid penalties.

5 common misconceptions about switching providers

1. “I'll lose my number if I change.”

   False. Both mobile and fixed numbers can be transferred for free if you request it.

2. “Switching will take forever.”

   Not true. Mobile switches take 1 working day, internet switches usually less than 2 weeks.

3. “I'll be without internet or TV for days.”

   Easy Switch ensures continuity. Downtime is usually only a few hours during equipment installation.

4. “I can't switch if I bought a phone with my plan.”

   You can. Either pay off the remaining phone balance and switch right away, or wait until the repayment date to switch without extra fees.

5. “I should cancel with my old provider first.”

   Wrong. Only your new provider should handle the cancellation to avoid losing your number or overlapping contracts.

Key Takeaways

• Belgian law protects you: After 6 months, you can cancel any telecom contract without penalty.
• Easy Switch makes internet and TV switching simple: Only your new provider needs to be contacted.
• Number portability is guaranteed: Mobile and fixed numbers can always be transferred for free.
• Switching is fast: Mobile switches in 1 day, internet switches within days or weeks depending on installation.
• Compare plans first: With frequent promotions, you might save money or get faster internet by switching.

Final Word: Switching telecom providers in Belgium is not complicated - it's designed to protect consumers. By understanding the process and planning a little ahead, you can change providers smoothly, keep your number, and often end up with a better deal.