Can I have a sooner Start Date?
We’re so excited that you’re joining Rebel—and trust us, we’d love to get you connected as quickly as possible.
We often get asked if an earlier start date is available, so here’s a clear explanation of how start dates work and what (if anything) can affect them.
Is an earlier start date possible?
The start date shown during your order journey is the earliest possible date available at the time you sign up. We always select the soonest option we’re given—there’s no hidden or faster appointment we can switch to.
What determines my start date?
Several factors influence how soon your service can go live:
1. You’re moving to a new address or need a new line
If your address has never had Openreach service before, a brand-new line needs to be installed. These appointments are entirely dependent on Openreach’s availability, as they manage the network and engineer schedules.
2. Your address currently has another provider
If you’re moving into a property that already has broadband with another provider, UK regulations require a minimum two-week notice period before a service can be taken over.
This is why you’ll notice that many Rebel start dates are around two weeks from sign-up. These rules apply to all providers—not just Rebel.
3. You may occasionally see a sooner date
In some situations, if your address doesn’t fall under the conditions above, you may be lucky and see a sooner-than-expected appointment.
Can support move my start date forward?
We understand the excitement to get connected, but please note that our support team does not have access to earlier appointments than the one already booked.
Self-install customers: what to expect on the day
If you’re completing a self-install, there may not be a physical engineer visiting your property. However, work still takes place in the local cabinet serving your home.
Because of this, your line can become active at any point up until 5:00pm on your activation day. It’s completely normal if your connection doesn’t go live first thing in the morning.
Need reassurance or have questions?
If you’re unsure which setup applies to you or want help understanding your activation day, our support team is always happy to help.
We can’t wait to get you up and running with Rebel 🚀