Moving can signal a fresh start. A new town, a new occupation, or new furniture can make the move feel like the first step in a much longer journey. However, there may be some aspects of your old life that you don’t want to let go of, such as your internet service. You may want to continue using it at your new home for this reason, but is transferring your internet service even possible?
Can You Transfer Your Internet Service When Moving? It Depends on Your Provider and Plan
Here’s the short answer to whether you can keep your internet provider when moving: Internet service providers (ISPs) will typically let you transfer service to a new address. However, this only works if your ISP is available in your new area!
When you shop for internet, you’ll find many internet providers, such as AT&T and Xfinity, alongside smaller regional companies. The latter might not have the same perks as the national brands, but they often compete with cheaper prices. Smaller providers cover smaller areas, though, so you’ll most likely have to give up your smaller, independent ISP unless you’re moving a relatively short distance. You’ll likely be able to keep a larger provider, but even the big companies have geographical limitations.
To find out if your provider is available at your new address, use a ZIP code search tool and punch in the ZIP code for your new neighborhood. If you see your old provider, give them a call — you’ll likely find that it’s easy to transfer service.
Keep in mind that, like providers themselves, individual plans from the same ISP are subject to availability. You may or may not be able to get the exact same plan, pricing, and speed at your new home as you had at your old one, even if your provider is available at both addresses.
If your provider isn’t an option in your new area, you’ll need to find a new one. The first step for changing providers is to notify your current ISP of your departure. In many cases, you’ll be asked to pay an early-termination fee (ETF). You can avoid paying an ETF if your move date is close to the end of the contract.
Next, you’ll need to find a new provider. Once you’ve found one, you’ll need to pick a plan. Bundling with TV or phone services is an easy way to save money and get other crucial utilities. You can also save money by using your own equipment. If you rented equipment from your old provider, return the equipment undamaged. Late or non-return fees can stack up, especially with an ETF.
Afterward, you can set up your new internet service. Just be aware that some providers have different installation methods or requirements. What would’ve worked just fine for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet might be ineffective for Xfinity, and vice versa.
Should You Transfer Internet Service When You Move, or Start Over With a New Plan?
If your current provider is available at your new address, you may be able to transfer service. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should!
In many cases, providers offer better pricing to new customers. Introductory pricing can make a big difference in your bottom line over the first couple of years of your internet service plan. That could be a good reason to switch providers — or simply close your old contract and reopen a new one with the same provider.
Of course, there’s some inconvenience involved in changing your internet provider. You may have to return old equipment, for example, whereas transferring a plan could allow you to simply move your current router and modem to the new address.
Consider that it may be possible to get the best of both worlds. Call your ISP to ask about transferring your plan, and bring up the possibility of getting an introductory rate. You may get the deal because your service is new to your new home’s address — or you may get it simply because you ask nicely.
On the Day of the Move
Once you have internet service prepared for your new home, you’ll need to deactivate service at the old house. The provider will give you instructions. Pack up the equipment carefully. If it ends up damaged, your service provider will expect you to pay repair fees if you were renting it. If you own your equipment, then this doesn’t apply.
You’ll want to put the equipment in a box that’s specially labeled “internet equipment.” This will prevent it from getting lost among your other belongings. Set up the router and modem in a similar configuration to what you had at your old house. If you need assistance, there should be a self-installation guide on the provider’s website.
You’ll need to schedule your activation as well. It’s best to schedule this activation on your first day in the new house. You want to have high-speed internet service as quickly as possible. Your internet provider may send a specialist to help install the equipment in your new home. If your new house isn’t set up for modern internet service, it might take them a day or two to have the house prepared. Alternatively, the provider may be able to activate it remotely. Again, it depends on what your provider offers.
The final step is to check your speeds. Connect your phone or another device to the internet and browse a few websites. If you’re on mobile, try opening up a few apps as well. Do the pages and apps load quickly enough for your daily use? If they don’t, contact your provider. It’s possible something was installed incorrectly. Alternatively, your new area may have slower speeds than you’re used to.
Other Things to Consider
You should inform your internet provider that you’re moving as soon as possible, but at the very latest, let them know one month before your move. You want to give the company ample time to schedule the deactivation and activation of your service, as well as secure a professional technician if needed.
If you’re starting with a new provider, make sure you’re aware of any data caps on your new plan. Data caps are limits on how much data you can process each month. The last thing you want is to see a message that you’ve used 80 percent of your monthly data — a week and a half before the month ends. Exceeding your data cap can result in extra fees and slower internet speeds.
Ask about any promotions for new customers or those who are moving. You’ll find these deals with national providers. For the latter, it may be called a loyalty program. The thought process is that, despite the other options, you’re still choosing the same ISP — hence, a loyalty program or discount. The downside is that these discounts are uncommon and you, the customer, will have to bring them up.
The Bottom Line
If your internet service provider is available in both your current home and the new home you’re moving to, then you’ll likely be able to transfer your internet service. Just be aware that plan availability may mean that you technically have to switch plans.
If your provider isn’t available in both areas, you’ll have to switch providers. And, even if your provider is available, you may want to consider starting over anyway in order to get a deal — prices are often better for new customers.