1-866-445-8084How to Cancel Internet and Switch to a New ISP
Looking to cancel your internet service and switch to a new internet service provider (ISP)? Chances are you’ll find better speed, value, customer service, and technology on the market.
Leaving behind the outdated service that drove you crazy for a leading high-speed internet provider is easier than you might think. You just need to know what to expect to ensure a smooth transition. Plan to:
Review your current contract and cancellation terms.
Compare new ISPs.
Schedule your installation.
Shut down your old service.
Set up your new connection.
Return your old equipment.
A better, happier, and more productive online life is only six steps away. Here’s how to cancel internet service without too much hassle.
Reasons to Switch Internet Providers
Unless you’re moving out of your current ISP’s service area, you’re likely switching because your old plan’s just too expensive, slow, or frustrating.
Cost
High costs might be the most common reason to switch or cancel ISPs. If your initial discount expires, the jump to standard rates might be shocking. Annual increases or plan restructuring might also land you in a higher-cost plan.
You might just need to cut costs in general. And with internet technology advancing rapidly, there’s no reason to pay a lot for ultra-fast speeds.
Reliability
At any cost, unreliable internet is unacceptable. In this day and age, you need constant connectivity to work, stream your favorite TV shows, , play, and manage your life’s administrative tasks. You might even do all your shopping online. If your home security is Wi-Fi connected, your safety and peace of mind might be at stake, too.
Performance
All those devices and activities add up to a lot of monthly data usage. If you’re hitting data caps and getting stuck with high bills or throttled speeds, it’s time to surf to a better ISP.
Whether you stream live events in high-def, work from home, or enjoy online gaming, slow speeds and low bandwidth are reason enough to cancel your current internet service and switch to a higher-performance plan.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a New Internet Provider
If your internet experience is frustrating, you might be tempted to jump on the first offer you see. Instead, take time to weigh your options, not just for connectivity type but provider and plan level.
Speed
Of course, speed is probably at the top of your list. Fiber offers top speeds at 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) or more, but cable (up to 1 Gbps) is often adequate, too. Yet every ISP’s connection is slightly different, so actual experienced speed, reliability, and latency might vary. That’s where research, reviews, and fine print are important.
Cost
When comparing costs, be sure to look for data caps. Most customers don’t need to settle for throttled internet, though it might be unavoidable if you live in a rural area and need internet from a satellite connection. Low upfront costs are often canceled out by data costs that lead to overage charges.
Availability
It’s not just about what’s available in your area, although that’s the right place to start. Once you have a short list of available ISPs that service your address, you can dig deeper to understand their options and costs. Look at reviews to gauge how helpful, friendly, and available customer service is when the time comes to ring for help.
Security Features
You also want to consider internet security. When your whole life is online, it can be hijacked as part of a data breach or individual attack. ISPs with cutting-edge technology like fiber-optic lines, cybersecurity teams, and secure routers are the best choices.
How to Cancel Your Internet Service
All things considered, here’s how to cancel your internet service and make the switch to a new ISP.
1. Review your current contract and cancellation terms.
Dig up your ISP’s service contract and ctrl/cmd-F (search) your way to the “cancel” language of your signed document. That’s where you’ll find the legally bound restrictions on dumping your ISP. It might include early termination fees if you cancel before your contract end date.
Equipment return instructions and misuse charges can also complicate matters, so carefully note what you need to send back and by what date. Whether related to equipment or legalese, the last thing you want is a surprise bill after you cancel.
2. Research and compare new ISPs.
Once you’ve reviewed the potential fees and penalties of canceling your current contract, the next step is to go out and find a new plan. Plenty of comparison sites can pull up the ISPs available in your area in a side-by-side table.
Speed will be the first thing to consider. After consulting this internet speed guide, you might settle on 1 Gbps+ to support your modern household and home office. Does every local ISP offer that speed?
Likely not, so look for high-speed internet providers with fiber and cable that can approach gigabit speeds. In rural areas, cable and fiber might not be available, so you might need to look at alternatives, but regardless — the higher the speed, the better.
Look at pricing in comparison to data caps to make sure you won’t be hit with overage charges. It’s also worthwhile to check reviews from multiple third-party sites so you don’t get fooled into a deal that’s too good to be true.
3. Schedule your new installation.
Once you’ve selected a local ISP, schedule your installation. That can be as simple as plugging in a new Wi-Fi router or as complex as running a new line to your home. Luckily, the ISP will coordinate everything.
Whether you book online during checkout or on the phone after confirming your purchase, Wi-Fi installation is straightforward. Still, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the new ISP.
Make sure the outdoor connection point is accessible and that you’re home and available to test the new connection. If you’re moving to a new location, familiarize yourself with the property before the technician arrives.
4. Cancel your current service.
With new internet service purchased and scheduled for installation, call your current ISP and let them know you’re canceling.
Make sure to set your final day of service after your new installation date so you have continuous coverage. Knowing when to cancel internet when moving or switching ISPs helps you avoid overpaying or experiencing a gap in connectivity.
You also don’t want to hold on to your old ISP’s equipment any longer than you need it. If you rent a modem or router, make sure to mail it back or drop it by the local office within the allotted time frame to avoid a missing equipment fee.
5. Set up your new internet service.
When your new equipment arrives or the ISP’s technician hooks up the new lines, be ready to help. It's nothing complicated.
If going the DIY route, just follow the instructions in the box and plug the equipment into the wall. Download the ISP’s Wi-Fi manager app for a guided setup right on the screen.
For technician installs, the tech may need your help locating junction boxes or accessing areas to run additional lines. Once they hook everything up, they will also want your help to confirm the connection.
Both processes end with you setting up a new Wi-Fi profile and reconnecting all your online devices.
6. Confirm cancellation and return equipment.
Now that you’re all hooked up to high-speed, better-value internet, make sure to completely disconnect from your old ISP.
The best practice is to send them an email or other written communication with your cancellation request so there’s a paper trail. You’ll also want to confirm they received your old equipment and officially closed your account.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
How else can you make ISP-switching an easy, positive, and valuable experience? Consider these tips:
Schedule your old internet cancellation at least a few days after your new service installation, just in case.
Book your installation for a time you
know
you or someone reliable will be home.
Prep your home for the installation to avoid delays or disruptions for the technician.
Run a speed test before and after your new installation.
Pay up and close out your old account proactively.
Consider upgraded home equipment, such as a high-speed router.
Compare at least three ISPs, if that many are available in your area.
Ask your neighbors for ISP recommendations.
Look for speeds that support all your devices.
Finding and switching to a new ISP is generally easy and painless. The most critical tip is to choose the right high-speed internet provider.
Why switch to Kinetic?
ISPs that offer the latest technology, like Kinetic, bring customers high-speed fiber optic internet without breaking the bank. Plus, we offer free whole-home Wi-Fi setup, so you know your internet is set up correct from the start.
With plans that offer speeds up to 2 Gigs and 99.9% reliability, it’s easy to leave your old ISP behind. Switch to Kinetic today!
How to Cancel Internet Service FAQs
What are the steps to cancel internet service?
To cancel your internet service, first find a new ISP and internet plan. Then you can cancel the old service by calling or emailing the old ISP. After your new equipment is installed, you can return the old router to your old ISP and get on with your new, faster connection.
Can I cancel my internet service without penalties?
Check your service agreement for contract terms. You can usually cancel without penalty after a certain time period, but check with the ISP if you think there could be a penalty.
How do I cancel my internet service provider?
Simply find a new ISP, get it installed, confirm your new connection, then give the old ISP a call to let them know you’re canceling. Be sure to return the equipment to avoid penalty charges.
Can I cancel my internet service early?
Canceling internet service early depends on contract terms. If you signed for a set amount of time, you’ll likely have to pay an early termination fee. Many plans have flexibility, and some new ISPs might even cover your cancelation fee to entice you to switch.
What should I do with the old equipment after canceling my internet service?
Don’t toss or sell your old equipment. You need to return it to the old ISP to avoid fees. If you own the equipment, you’re welcome to do whatever you please with it. But ISPs track all their equipment remotely, so they can confirm once it's received after you cancel your internet service.