Moving can signal a fresh start. A new town, occupation, or furniture makes 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 want to continue using it at your new home for this reason, but is transferring your internet service even possible?
Depends on the Provider
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.
Unless you’re moving a short distance, you’ll most likely have to give up your smaller, independent internet service provider. Since these cover only a small region — at most, a handful of states — they can’t provide service elsewhere. This doesn’t mean you have to give up on smaller brands entirely. There may be a regional equivalent that services your new home. Check with your current provider to see if it has any recommendations.
For national brands, transferring internet service is generally possible. Again, your new home may not be in its service area. You can use a ZIP code search tool to see if it’s available in your new neighborhood. If so, the provider may allow you to transfer services online. Just be sure to schedule the transfer for after you’ve moved out! The last thing you want is to be without internet service during the final month in your current home.
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.
When Your Provider Isn’t Available
Not all internet providers are available everywhere. If your current one 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.
Other Things to Consider
You should inform your internet provider that you’re moving as soon as possible, but at the very latest, let it 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
You can pack up your internet and move it with you, at least in specific conditions. It requires a little extra planning and maybe some additional funds. But if you have an internet plan that you enjoy and can rely on, it’s worth checking if the service can move with you.