Moving? Find out how to switch internet providers and save money

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Key takeaways 

• Cancel your service with your current ISP
• Check your address to find providers available at your new home
• Take advantage of promotional offerings

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It’s easy to pick an internet service provider (ISP) and simply stick with them, but if you are moving across town, across state or across the country, chances are you may not have access to the same provider. In fact, moving may give you a good chance to score a better price for your internet service. You just need to know where to look and when. 

This guide will help you determine the best time of year to change ISPs so you can save yourself some money while you move.

How to switch internet providers

• Notify your provider of cancellation
• Return any equipment if necessary
• If you are locked into a contract, you may have to pay a fee

Once you’ve spotted a deal that you want to take advantage of, you’ll need to actually go through the process of switching broadband providers. This can be simple or tricky depending on your current provider. 

Contact your internet provider

These days, you can likely cancel your service online if you aren’t locked into a long-term contract. This is an easy process and generally involves logging in to your internet account and canceling your service from there. You can usually schedule your last day of service and find information about returning your equipment if necessary.

If you are locked into a contract, it’s best to give your provider a call to work out potential early termination fees (ETFs). Find out how much you owe in ETFs and weigh that cost with that of switching providers. If your current provider is available at your new address, it may be worth it to transfer your service instead of switching providers altogether.

Check out Allconnect’s guide on how to switch internet service providers.

What to look for when switching providers

• The right connection type
• Suitable speed for your devices and internet activities
• Promotional deals

Connection types

When switching internet providers, depending on your location, you may have an array of options. The most popular internet technology types include cable, fiber, satellite and 5G home internet.

First, check your address to find out what providers are actually available at your location. Provider availability varies by region, state, city and sometimes even neighborhood. Once you have an idea of what’s available to you, you can look closer at the types of internet being offered at your address.

If a fiber provider is available, this is your best option. Fiber internet provides the fastest and most reliable internet connection, so you will get the most value by opting for this connection type if it’s available. Cable is another solid internet connection type, and it’s widely available throughout the U.S. If fiber isn’t available, cable is a reliable alternative that often allows you to bundle with TV and phone service.

Satellite internet is the most widely available internet technology and is often the only option for those living in rural areas. Speeds are slower and plans tend to be more expensive than other technologies, but you won’t have to worry about lack of availability.

5G home internet is a newer internet technology that’s gaining popularity as an alternative to cable, fiber and satellite. Cable and fiber aren’t usually available in rural areas, leaving satellite as the only option for many rural residents. 5G has been framed as a solution to rural internet serviceability since it uses cell towers to deliver an internet connection. Popular providers include T-Mobile and Verizon, and both offer discounts if you pair 5G internet with a mobile plan.

The right speed for your household

Once you determine the type of internet you want and the providers available to you, it’s time to determine the right internet speed to support your daily internet activities. Consider the number of devices that will connect to your network and the types of daily internet activities you consistently participate in. 200 – 400 Mbps can generally keep a small to medium-sized household online, but a household of five or more people streaming, gaming, working and learning from home will need much more speed than one or two people occasionally streaming or browsing online.

Promotional deals

Switching to a new provider may give you the opportunity to take advantage of some pretty great new customer deals. Many providers offer promotional offerings for new customers to incentivize them into signing up, usually involving discounts, bundles, free tech, gift cards and more. Verizon offers some of the best promotional deals of top internet providers, but be sure to do your research to find the best deals from ISPs.

Moving season means promotional internet prices

• The summer months may bring lower internet prices since it’s the most popular time for people to move
• If you are moving locally, you may be able to transfer your current service if it’s available at your new address
• If you’re moving into a rental property, check with management about the internet situation

Did you know that 80% of all moving in the U.S. happens between May and September, with June, July and August being the busiest months for moving? The summer is the time when most people head to a new home.

The ISPs are familiar with this trend of the summer move. In order to entice movers to sign up for their service, they often offer their lowest prices of the year during the summer months.

Moving locally

If you are moving locally, you might be able to keep your current service and just let your provider know that you’d like to transfer the service to a new address. Check your address to see if your provider is available at your new home.

Moving to a rental property

If you are moving to a rental property, particularly a condo or apartment building, remember to check if management requires you to use their chosen provider. If not, research the address ahead of signing a lease to ensure there is an internet connection available and it can provide the speed at a price you can afford.

Internet prices go up in fall, winter months

While the summer may be the best time to switch your ISP, you can find savings just about any time of the year. Keep an eye out for these deals and don’t be shy about switching — especially if you aren’t locked into a contract. The reality is that most consumers don’t switch providers until they have to, which means they are missing out on opportunities to save money.

That said, there are times that you will want to avoid switching your internet service. Prices tend to rise in September after the moving season comes to a close. You can also expect prices to rise late in the year, around November and January. Avoid switching internet service during those months unless you have to.

Are you ready to find a better internet provider?

• Compare internet plans in your area to make sure you’re not overpaying for internet 
• Switch providers during the summer months to take advantage of potential saving opportunities
• If you aren’t locked into a contract, don’t be afraid to switch providers if a better deal becomes available

You are probably paying more than you should for your internet service. Shop around and find the best deals available to you by comparing internet service providers and plans in your area. Make sure that if you can, you switch during the summer to get the best deal available to you, and don’t be afraid to switch providers regularly when better deals become available, especially if you aren’t locked into a contract. Learn more about the best internet deals.

You can also read how one person survived their move and handled internet service changes.

Switching internet providers FAQs