Even if you’re moving to a new city or state, you can often take your current internet service with you if you’re moving somewhere in your internet service provider’s (or ISP’s) coverage area, but there are benefits and drawbacks to keeping the same provider. And if your current ISP isn’t available in your new location, you’ll want to start shopping for a replacement. We discuss how to move with your internet service and some factors to consider when choosing whether to take your current provider with you or set up service with a new ISP. If you’re moving from a highly-populated area to a more rural location, the same company may not be able to provide the blazing fast speeds you were able to get in the city.
If your ISP has coverage in the new location If your provider offers the same bundles in the new location (if you have TV, phone, and internet with the same company, for instance, make sure you can still get the same bundled services in the new location) Whether or not your provider offers the same connection type in your new area (fiber, cable, DSL, satellite) Whether or not your ISP offers the same speeds in your new area Plans and pricing in your new area, and if your plan is subject to change Any available discounts you can take advantage of in the new location Installation requirements for the move Any relocation fees Any early termination fees (ETFs) if you were to cancel service If there’s anything else you need to know about transferring your service
Promotional prices and the price after your promotional period ends Whether the download and upload speeds meet your needs If the plan offers enough data Whether your old ISP has an ETF, and how much it costs you Whether a potential new ISP offers a contract buyout, like Spectrum What to do with your old equipment
See if you can take your equipment with you or if you need to turn it in and get new equipment. Even with the same ISP, you may need to swap it out if you have older equipment, if the provider uses different types of equipment in the new location, or if your plan speed or connection type are changing. If nothing is changing, and your new home is already wired and ready-to-go for cable internet, you may be able to connect your internet at the new place without a technician visiting your home. Xfinity, for instance, allows customers to self-install their internet for some simpler installations, especially if the home had Xfinity internet within the past 12 month. For other connection types (like fiber, satellite, or fixed wireless internet ), a technician will likely have to visit your home to perform an install. A technician will also have to visit your home if it isn’t already wired for internet service. If you don’t like something about your current service (maybe it’s too expensive, too slow, or the internet goes out too often), a move is a good time to consider changing providers. You can usually just type your new address into an ISP’s website and see what offers are available to you. Make sure to read the terms and conditions, as those terms can indicate promotional periods, fees, and other costs not included in the advertised price. Want to learn more about internet providers? Check out the following reviews:
Xfinity Internet Review AT&T Internet Review Verizon Fios Home Internet Review Spectrum Internet Review CenturyLink Internet Review
Keep in mind that your short-term costs are often going to be cheaper with a new provider when you switch, especially if you’re not subject to ETFs from your previous ISP. However, when you factor in price increases after the promotional period ends, installation costs, and other fees, see if you’re really getting a better value over the long term. Staying put is convenient, and you already know what to expect in terms of customer service and network reliability. If you do choose to stay with your ISP, remember to ask your provider if you can use the same equipment (modem, etc.) or if you need to turn it in and get new equipment. Schedule your internet installation prior to moving, so you can get a technician out on your first or second day in your new home. Don’t wait until you move in to get your installation scheduled. Also, ask if there’s anything you need to do to prepare for the installation, and make sure to complete those steps beforehand. If you’re switching providers, you’ll almost always need to return your equipment when you cancel your service. Find out what you need to return, when you need to return it by, and where you need to return it to avoid extra fees. Upgrading your router will allow you to take advantage of features like guest network access, better network traffic management, and enhanced parental controls. For homes with a lot of devices, we recommend the TP-Link Archer AX6000.* For homes with fewer devices, we recommend a more affordable router like the TP-Link Archer A9.*
