How to Handle Internet Service When Moving: Are you planning a move in the near future? At one time, all this involved was getting your stuff from your old place to your new digs. Today, however, a move is more likely to involve a need to either transfer your internet service or find a new provider. This entire process can be a bit stressful if you’re not prepared. On the flip side, it’s entirely possible to handle internet service when moving in a more orderly and productive way. Keep reading for our tips, pointers, reminders, and suggestions.
See If You Can Do a Simple Service Transfer
If you’re happy with your current ISP and plan, see if that provider also offers service at your new address. Should this be the case, it should be fairly easy to make arrangements to have your service transferred.
Look into What Service Options Are Available (for Your New Location)
Sites like CNET allow you to quickly check to see what ISPs are available in a specific location or zip code. This is a quick and easy way to see what internet service options you’ll have to consider when moving. Even if you’re just moving across town or to a nearby destination, check to confirm what ISPs are available. In some cases, service options can vary by neighborhood or area.
Are You Really Happy with Your Current Provider?
Just because your current ISP may be available in your new location doesn’t mean you can’t use your move as an excuse to make a change. This is especially appealing if you discover you have a few extra service options in your new location. Either way, if you’re really not happy with what you currently have, make a change during your move by:
- Comparing plans available from ISPs in your new location
- Seeing if any deals are available that appeal to you
- Assessing your internet needs so you’ll know what service features to look for
See What Applies If You’re Moving to an Apartment
Some apartment complexes have certain ISPs for all units. While this isn’t always the case, it’s best to err on the side of caution to see if this might apply to you. Also, some ISPs charge a fee for transfers. So, also see if this applies to your provider.
Call/Contact Your Provider
Whether you’re transferring service or switching ISPs, you’ll need to contact your provider. If you’ll be keeping your service and just transferring, some ISPs like HughesNet allow you to schedule transfers online. Others, however, require a call to customer service. If you’ll be canceling service, you’ll need to contact your current ISP and the new one to determine your preferred cancelation and connection dates. Try to make these dates as close together as possible so you’re not inconvenienced too much.
If you’re switching and not transferring, it’s also worth the effort to see if you might be able to get a better deal. Some ISPs like Spectrum and Verizon, pull out special deals for customers ready to switch to convince them to stay.
Consider How to Move or Return Your Equipment
If you’ll be transferring service, you’ll likely be able to keep your equipment. In this instance, pack everything up in a box; or wrap it in a blanket or towels for added protection. If you still have your original box for your equipment, that’s a better option. Now, if you’ll be switching ISPs you’ll likely have to return the equipment you’re currently using. This can be done by either taking it to a nearby physical location or mailing it back. Contact your current provider to see what applies in your case.
Decide How You Want to Set Everything Up
Finally, determine if you prefer professional installation or self-installation and setup. If you’re really not too tech-savvy, paying a little extra to have a technician set things up can be worth it. On the other hand, if you feel comfortable relying on getting any assistance you may need over the phone or via chat, feel free to go the DIY route to save a little more money. Also with setup, it’s a good idea to be mindful of:
- Router placement – opt for a central location to get better signal delivery
- Accessories you may need – like a longer Ethernet cable
- How much speed you’re getting – do some speed testing once everything is set up
What If I Want to Switch Internet Service Providers?
It’s not uncommon for someone moving into a new house to change internet service providers. Whether you’re unhappy with their service or your new place is just out of their coverage area, it’s wise to know how you can choose the best internet provider for your home.
- Check for your options.
The first step you must do is determine the internet service providers near you. You can find many tools online where you will only need to input your zip code, and you will see a list of internet service providers in your area.
- Compare their plans.
Depending on your needs, you can easily compare the prices, speeds, installation and equipment costs, data caps, and more. We all know that only a few internet service providers stay true to their advertisements, so it’s best to compare your prospective ISPs thoroughly. This way, you won’t end up wasting your time calling their customer service if anything happens to your internet connection.
You can ask yourself simple questions before you choose your final internet provider, such as:
- How much speed do I need?
- How many people will use the internet?
- How much data will my household consume?
- What is my maximum monthly budget for internet?
- Do I need a bundled plan with cable TV and phone service?
Once you find the answers to these questions, it will be much easier and faster for you to narrow down your internet options and find the best ISP for your needs. Take your time and don’t rush in making a decision because if you choose an unreliable provider, you will have to suffer the consequences for a long time, especially if you signed a one-year contract agreement with them.
- Look for discounts and promotions.
Many major internet providers usually provide great deals for new customers, such as providing VISA gift cards or free subscriptions to Netflix or other streaming services. Other providers might even give discounts or completely waive the installation or equipment costs when you sign-up. However, it’s also best to weigh the costs if you can save more by opting for a bundled plan.
- Check for reviews online.
You know how frustrating a slow internet can be, which doesn’t encourage internet users to express their disappointment online. Fortunately, it’s easy to find reviews from real customers online, whether it’s on the comment sections of the ISP’s social media posts, Facebook reviews, or even simple rants from your friend’s social media status. This step is one of the most important steps you must do before closing an agreement with a provider. This way, you can avoid those companies with extremely poor service, saving you the stress and hassle along the way.
- Negotiate for a better deal.
Once you get a hold of your chosen internet service provider, you can always negotiate for a better deal. Most ISPs are willing to negotiate to get you to sign up with them, so take advantage of this time and ask them what they can add to your chosen plan for free, such as higher data caps or internet speed.