How to switch broadband providers in five easy steps

If you are looking to switch cable providers, or any other internet connection type, then there is the perception that it can be a painful process. You’ll want to know how long you’ll be without an internet connection, and you’ve probably got a number of logistical questions, such as “will my new broadband provider cancel my old contract?” More than anything, though, you may feel the need to make the switch because you’re no longer happy with your provider, but you don’t want any disruption to the internet services that you rely on.

What if your current provider is no longer offering the standards of service that you expect? Perhaps a competitor is offering a better deal? In those circumstances you may want to switch providers.

The good news is that contrary to perception, moving to a new internet provider is a snap.

1. Find the new plan you want

Competition between internet providers for consumers is fierce. And this is good news. The first step is to figure out what you want from your internet service. Do you just need a cheap plan that will allow you to read some news and send some emails? Or are you looking for unlimited data and fast speeds to handle your gaming or home office needs? Perhaps you are looking for a bundle that brings your telephone and internet plans into the one package?

Whatever you’re looking for, there’s every chance that you’ll find a few providers that offer the same deal. Compare them, read reviews on the respective companies and decide which new provider is right for you.

2. Give your provider notice

If you’re out of contract, then you’ll simply need to give your ISP 30 days notice that you’re moving off their service. Obviously, you want to time this with the time it will take for your new ISP to set you up so that there’s a minimum disruption between the services.

As a note, some providers may put the disconnection through the day you notify them, which means you may lose your phone number – a concern if you are wanting to transfer the number over. For VoIP-related transfers, it is generally advised that you do not contact your existing provider until the new service is up and running.

If you’re still in contract with your previous, be aware that you may be liable for fees and will likely need to pay the total value of the contract, as stated in it when you signed.

Acuity offers month to month plans so that you don’t have to commit to a long-term contract – but we bet you’ll stay anyway!

3. Migrate all data off your existing ISP

If you’ve been using the email that your ISP provides you, you’ll need to migrate that data (emails and contact information) to a service such as Gmail or Outlook before you finish up with your provider. Ask them for help with this if you need to.

If your phone line is connected to your internet service, tell your new ISP that you’d like to port over and keep your existing phone number.

4. Make sure you’ve got the right equipment

If you’re moving from an ADSL to nbn™ plan, you may need a new modem in order to connect to the internet. There’s every chance that you’ll be able to find a plan from a provider that includes a modem. But those will generally be cheap and offer minimum features. So, depending on what you plan on using the internet for, you’ll also want to buy yourself a new modem. For example, if you’re planning to have the whole family actively using the internet at the same time, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a modem that can handle a large number of simultaneous connections to the internet.

Most Modems are not locked to an ISP, so it shouldn’t matter what internet provider you have, as long as the modem can handle the kind of connection that you’re setting up. If you’re having any difficulties however, your new ISP’s tech support team should be able to help.

The Acuity customer support team are Australian-based to ensure the quality of our service is exactly what you need. Contact Acuity today on 1300 958 339.

Minimising downtime

If you’re switching from one nbn™ service to another, then the downtime that you should experience when you make the switch should be less than an hour, provided the nbn transition goes smoothly.

If your nbn™ connection is one of the few that is Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP),then you have the luck to be able to have multiple connections simultaneously. You could even run a “trial” with a second ISP and switch between the incumbent and the new one to see which service you’re happier with, if you can arrange a trial with a new ISP.

The only time there will be real disruption is if you’re moving from a legacy ADSL service to an nbn™ connection. This is because a NBNCo technician will need to actually come out to your premises to finalise the setup.

For more information on making the shift to a new provider, and the benefits of an nbn™ connection, contact Acuity today on 1300 958 339.

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