Key takeaways
- To set up internet in a new home, first find out what providers are available at your new address
- Contact the provider with serviceability in your area to discuss setting up service
- Verify serviceability before moving
Picture this: You just broke ground on your soon-to-be dream home. The friendly neighbors mentioned the local internet service provider (ISP) is great. You’re already looking forward to Netflix movie nights with the family and working remotely from your cozy screened-in patio.
As moving day closes in, every task is checked off your to-do list. Except one. Unexpectedly, that local ISP tells you not only do they not offer service to your location, but to run a new line into your home would cost upward of $5,000!
Sound crazy? Unfortunately, it’s not all that unusual. When houses are added to existing neighborhoods, the local ISP will typically automatically expand the internet lines to the new residences. However, this isn’t always the case. Here’s how to set up internet and put those pieces back together.
Reasons why internet lines can bypass a new home
If you are considering moving, be conscious of several scenarios so you’re not caught off guard. Below are three common situations that can leave homeowners navigating the long and winding road to get service.
- No internet lines have been extended to the new property
- The ports are full
- Building a new house in an unincorporated or rural area
You have a newly built home
You have a newly built house in an existing community but no internet. The surrounding neighbors have internet, but the lines were not extended to the new property. Typically, completing this part of the construction is the responsibility of the contractors. A private homebuilder can experience obstacles if they do not have a contractor lobbying on their behalf.
Your suburb or neighborhood has seen rapid growth
A new or preexisting home cannot get internet because the ports are full. This scenario can happen in suburbs that experienced rapid growth. Internet service that uses digital subscriber lines, also called DSL, has a dedicated hookup for each home. If there are more homes than ports, service to new subscribers is limited.
You live in an area lacking infrastructure
Building a new house in an unincorporated or rural area can make new internet installation difficult. Just a few miles can make a big difference in getting internet service.
Verify serviceability with your ISP before moving
It can seem a little premature to ask about internet before making an offer on a home. Still, if a certain internet speed and data plan is crucial to your job or lifestyle, get verification of service in writing before signing on the dotted line. It’s also possible that availability may change by the time you move in.
Who to contact to get internet access
There are several ways to resolve this dilemma. A successful internet-seeker should be diligent and informed. Start with these three options to get on your way to a wired home.
- Contacting the ISP or going to a local office is also recommended
- Verify serviceability with your ISP before moving in
- Check with your local public utility commission
Your local public utility commission
First, contact your local public utility commission. Find your state’s government website and get in touch with them for specific information on your state or county’s protocols. The utility commission can also explain what your rights are as a resident regarding what cost or construction you are liable for. It helps to be armed with this info before speaking with the ISP.
Your ISP
Contact the ISP that provides service in your area. Not sure who that is? Check your address. You will want to contact customer service, especially if you’ve already contacted the sales department and they said your home was not in the service area.
Triple-check the address with all representatives, and again get confirmation of service in writing. With over 131 million households in the U.S., databases can quickly become outdated. Unfortunately, even the internet providers themselves can get their wires crossed when figuring out where they do and do not provide service.
Your ISP’s local branch
Go to a local office. If your ISP has a local branch near you, your best bet could be simply talking to someone in person.
Scheduling internet setup
To schedule internet setup in your new home, contact your ISP a few weeks in advance to ensure you’ll have internet by your move-in date. Professional installation is required for new builds with no preexisting internet writing.
Once you contact your ISP, verify your provider’s serviceability at your new address. Then, solidify a date for installation before you move in.
How to get temporary internet access
If you find out your new home doesn’t currently have internet access, there are a few temporary options you can try.
Hotspots
A hotspot is a great temporary internet option because you can use it anywhere. Think of a hotspot as a mini router — it connects a cellular network to your device. You can either buy a portable hotspot or access one on your phone. Some providers that sell portable hotspots include T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T, but you can always check Amazon or your local tech store.
Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is a bit less convenient than a mobile or portable hotspot, but still a solid option if you need a reliable internet connection for a busy work day. Coffee shops, cafés and coworking spaces all have strong public internet access.
How does this affect you?
The bottom line is that providers choose where to run lines for internet access based on population density. If you love to live on the outskirts, you can and will be responsible for the cost of getting on the grid. For some, this investment is worth it, like this farmer who threw down $42,000 to get fiber internet installed at his home. The quality of a fiber connection far outweighs other forms of broadband, and its longevity and return on investment will stretch far into the future.
Setting up smart home devices
Creating a smart home with a doorbell camera, thermostat control, sound system and more can get confusing, but apps like the Google Home app help you control all the smart appliances, sensors, etc., in one place rather than having multiple apps.
When picking your internet plan, you must include all the home’s square footage and connected devices in your usage. For example, if you have a four-person household with 1,800+ sq. ft. and multiple smart home connections, you’ll need a fast fiber or cable plan of 500 Mbps or more.
Enhancing Wi-Fi coverage
Depending on your new home’s square footage and layout, you should assess the Wi-Fi signal strength from each room and the best place to put your modem/router or gateway devices. If you have a large home over 1,800 sq. ft. or one with multiple floors, you may need a Wi-Fi extender or even a mesh system.
Install your equipment
You can set up your own internet or have the ISP send out a technician. You’ll also need to decide whether to rent equipment from the provider or use your own.
Internet in your new home
If you’re moving into a newly built home, make sure first to check if internet service is available at your location. If it’s not, check with your local utility commission and internet service providers in your area. You can also use mobile or portable hotspots as well as public Wi-Fi for temporary internet access.
Need even more help getting hooked up? Check out our Resource Center for other inside information on the internet and your smart home needs.
Check out our moving hub for more tips and tricks to make your moving day run smoother.
Internet in a new home FAQs
Will my old internet work at my new home?
Check your new address with your current ISP to see if they service your new area. If not, you’ll need to cancel your old service and pick a new provider.
Where is the best place to put a modem and router?
Put your modem and router in a central location, away from concrete or brick walls, like an open hallway or living room mantle. Check out our tips for the best place to put your router.
Can I set up internet before I move in?
It’s smart to set up your internet in your new home before you move in and then cancel your old service, that way you’ve ensured you won’t have any downtime without internet.

Written by:
Camryn Smith
Camryn Smith started writing for Allconnect in July 2022 and has developed broadband expertise across the landscape, including home internet providers, plans, pricing and equipment, as well as internet technolog…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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