How to switch internet providers in 5 easy steps

While you might have some questions – like, “will my landline be brought over?”, “is my modem locked to my provider?”, or even “can I keep my Wi-Fi name as ‘Wi Believe I Can Fi’?” (always a “Yes!”) – we’ll help you answer these and more in the next 5 steps! 

Step 1 – Find a new plan

Knowing how your household uses the internet helps when picking a new plan. If your family games, streams, and does everything in between, a higher speed plan is wise. Live alone or with a partner? Maybe a lower speed is all you need.

Check if you can get an upgrade

While you’re changing plans, it’s worth reviewing what connection type you currently have, and to check if you’re eligible for an upgrade.

If you have a Fibre to the Node, or Fibre to the Curb connections, your address may be eligible for a $0 NBN upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). FTTP is more reliable than other connections and you’ll be able to access higher speeds – a lot higher. 

To learn more about the different connection types, click here.

Step 2 - Chat to your current provider

Read your existing contract or ask your provider if you have a lock-in contract.

If you have a while left on your contract, you can often pay to leave early, but this may include an extra fee. Chatting to your provider means you’ll know what financial impact leaving will have.

Some providers need 30 days’ notice before they cancel your service, but this is only for certain providers, so it’s important to ask!

You also want to consider things like whether your hardware is locked with your current provider, or whether your current plan includes things like VoIP or an email address. We’ll go into more detail below!

Step 3 – Check your hardware  

Do you need anything new?

If you’re moving to a faster plan, there’s a chance you’ll need a new modem or router. Not all are created equal, so a faster connection needs tech that can handle those speeds. 

[CTA]Visit our page with tips on setting up your devices for high-speed internet. Button: Visit our guide.

If you are using your existing devices

Your old modem or router could be locked to the provider you bought it from. A locked device means that it might not work when you try to use it with other providers. This isn’t very common these days, but it’s important to ask your current provider if you’re not sure!

Step 4 – Swap over

Now you can order your new plan and close your old service. Some providers might tell you they can close your old service for you, but it’s always best to check yourself to make sure you don’t get hit with unexpected fees.

If you have a landline or VoIP service

Make sure you include a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service in your new plan and provide your existing number if you want to keep using it. As VoIP runs through the internet, the new provider will need to transfer the number across to them. This can add some extra time to your move while waiting for the VoIP number to migrate. It’s important to not cancel your old service before this is finished as you could lose your number.

For more information about moving a landline number click here.

If you have an email address through your existing provider

Some internet providers offer email addresses along with their internet. If you use these, check with your provider before you leave to make sure you can keep using it. If not, it’s wise to move your emails and contact information to an email address like Outlook or Gmail that don’t rely on one internet provider.

Quick list - What to ask your current provider before switching

Step 5 – Wave goodbye to your old ISP

The final step to save you from an unexpected bill is to call your former ISP and say “I’m sorry - it’s not you, it’s me”. Or something less dramatic.

The secret to minimising downtime is waiting to cancel your old service until after your new one is online. If you cancel before your new service is turned on, you run the risk of longer downtime. 

This is very important, so we’ll say it again:

Do not close your old service until your new one is ready!

Doing this as soon as your new service is active means you’ll avoid being billed for your old service, because who likes being double-billed? 

If you’re wanting to make the move to Aussie, take a peek at our NBN plans here, or call our Sales team on 1300 880 905.  

Tags:Getting startedMoving Aussie's Guide to The Internet