Switching internet providers is easier than most people fear — the hard part is just knowing the order to do things so you're never left without a connection.
This guide walks through switching the right way: confirming what's available, timing the overlap so you avoid a gap, returning old equipment to dodge fees, and making sure you actually save money instead of landing on another promo that expires. If you'd rather have someone handle the comparison for you, a free advisor can check every provider at your address in one call at (844) 933-1065.
Good reasons to switch
Most people switch for one of a few reasons, and all of them are valid:
- Your promo ended and the bill jumped. This is the most common one — introductory rates almost always expire after 12 months, and the standard rate can be far higher.
- A better option became available. Fiber expands constantly; a provider that didn't reach your home a year ago might now.
- Speeds aren't keeping up. More devices, working from home, or 4K streaming can outgrow an older plan.
- Poor reliability or service. Frequent outages are a fair reason to leave.
How to switch, step by step
Follow this order and you'll never be without internet during the change:
- Check what's actually available. Confirm which providers and plans reach your exact address before doing anything. See our providers by state pages or call for a quick check.
- Compare the real (post-promo) price. Line up the new plan's price after any introductory period, plus equipment and any data-cap fees, against what you pay now.
- Order the new service first — keep the old one running. Schedule installation/activation of the new provider before you cancel the old one, so there's an overlap and no gap.
- Confirm the new connection works. Once it's live and tested, you're safe to cancel.
- Cancel the old provider and return equipment. Get a cancellation confirmation, and return any rented modem/router promptly to avoid unreturned-equipment charges.
The one mistake to avoid: canceling your old service before the new one is active. Always overlap them by a few days — the small double-bill is far better than days without internet.
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Watch out for these costs when switching
- Early termination fees (ETFs). If you're under contract, leaving early can cost a prorated fee. Some new providers offer a buyout that covers part of it — worth asking about.
- Unreturned equipment charges. Rented gear not returned on time gets billed at full replacement cost. Return it and keep the receipt.
- Installation or activation fees on the new service — often waivable with a promo or by asking.
- The new promo's expiration. Don't switch into the same trap — know what the rate becomes after the intro period. Our guide to lowering your internet bill covers how to stay ahead of this.
Do you lose your email or phone number?
Your phone number (if you have home phone service) can usually be ported to the new provider — ask them to port it before you cancel, since canceling first can release the number. A provider-based email address (like one ending in your old ISP's domain) may be lost when you leave, so move anything important to a free, provider-independent email first.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose internet during the switch?
Not if you order the new service and confirm it's working before canceling the old one. Always overlap the two by a few days — the brief double-billing is worth avoiding any gap in service.
Do I have to pay an early termination fee to switch?
Only if you're still under contract. Many providers charge a prorated early-termination fee, but some new providers offer a contract buyout that covers part or all of it. If you're month-to-month, there's no ETF.
Can I keep my phone number when I switch?
Usually yes — home phone numbers can typically be ported to the new provider. Request the port before canceling your old service, because canceling first can release the number and make it harder to keep.
How long does switching take?
Often same-week. Self-install options can be active within a day or two of ordering; professional installs depend on appointment availability. Order the new service first so timing never leaves you disconnected.
Is it worth switching just to save money?
Frequently, yes — especially if your promo expired and your bill jumped. The key is comparing the new plan's price after its intro period, not just the teaser rate, so you don't switch into the same situation a year later.