Moving This Summer? A Step-by-Step Internet Switching Timeline

Getting new internet service or transferring existing internet service to a new address requires knowing if the destination is or is not wired for internet. It also requires knowing which internet providers offer service at that address.

Read on to discover how to check for service availability at your new address and how to get or move internet service.

First, check for service availability

Check for service ability at your new address at least one month prior to leaving your old address, whether you’re moving within the same zip code, across town, or to another city. You can’t assume your current service is available everywhere.

A month’s time allows you to:

• Decide on a plan that works best for you
• Schedule the start day of your service
• Schedule installation if your new home requires it
• Schedule the disconnect day at your current residence
• Return your leased equipment before you move

Next, order or transfer internet service

Before you order new internet service or transfer an existing service, find out if your new home already has an internet connection. Here are three scenarios:

• New-build homes typically do not have any internet connections installed
• Existing homes typically have a cable, fiber, and/or DSL internet connection installed (maybe even all three)
• Apartments typically offer a cable, fiber, or DSL internet connection

Knowing this information will help you narrow down your options versus calling each provider individually to see if they’re available at your new address.

Apartment building managers already know which internet provider offers service to residents, so be sure to ask.

How to get new internet service

Follow these steps to get new internet service at your new address:

Step 1: Use our zip check tool (provided below) to see what internet options are available at your new address.

Step 2: Select the provider you want to use.

Step 3: Select the speeds you need.

Step 4: Call the provider or begin the ordering process online.

Step 5: Schedule a professional install or get a self-install kit, depending on the location.

Step 6: Schedule the day you want the new service to begin.

How to transfer your internet service

Follow these steps to transfer internet service to your new address.

Step 1: Use our zip check tool (provided above) to see if your internet provider offers service at your new address.

Step 2: Call your internet provider and request a transfer of service. The agent will let you know if the current equipment you have can be used at the new address.

Step 3: Schedule a professional installation or get a self-install kit if your current equipment isn’t compatible. For example, you cannot use a cable modem with fiber internet.

Step 4: Select the day you want the transferred service to start.

Some internet providers, including Spectrum, may be able to transfer service to another address in the same service area without requiring you to close one account and open another.

Spectrum Internet is powered by a fiber network and delivered to the home through a hardwired broadband line, so the equipment needed at the new address depends on the local connection and plan. You cannot transfer service between two different internet providers.

Take a look at the differences:

Same internet providers

Different internet providers

Finally, install internet service

Schedule a professional installation at least one month prior to your move. This gives the internet provider time to adjust the schedule as needed.

Schedule a hybrid installation at least one month prior to your move. This gives the technician enough time to install the connection you need to set up the self-installation kit provided to you.

You do not need to schedule a self-installation.

So, which type of installation do you need? Read on to understand each version.

Professional installation

You need a professional installation if your new address:

• Does not have an internet connection
• Needs the internet connection repaired or relocated

A professional install typically includes installing a buried or aerial line connecting your home to the local infrastructure. A second line goes from the external connection on your home to a wall plate or device installed in your home. After that, the technician sets up your equipment and Wi-Fi network. For Spectrum customers, Advanced WiFi can be managed in the My Spectrum App after installation, making it easier to view connected devices and adjust network settings.

Hybrid installation

You can use a hybrid installation if your new address:

• Does not have an internet connection
• Needs the internet connection repaired or relocated
• You know how to connect internet equipment and set up Wi-Fi

With a hybrid installation, the technician only installs the exterior lines and the connector for cable and DSL internet, or the exterior lines and the optical network terminal (ONT) for fiber internet.

The subscriber connects and activates the modem and router (or gateway) with cable and DSL internet, or a gateway or router with fiber internet. This method is typically cheaper than a professional installation.

Self-installation

You can use a self-install kit if your new address:

• Has an internet connection
• Doesn’t require the internet connection to be repaired or relocated

With traditional cable and DSL internet, the provider supplies you with a modem and a router, or a single gateway. Simply connect the modem or gateway to the coaxial or telephone line, plug in the power, and then activate the service using a wired device. After that, connect the router and set up your Wi-Fi network.

With fiber internet, the provider supplies you with a gateway or a router. The fiber optical network terminal (ONT) is already mounted on the wall, so you simply connect the gateway or router to it using an Ethernet cable. Set up your Wi-Fi network after that.

How to avoid the double-billing trap when transferring internet service

Ending one internet service and starting another can cause an overlap in billing. If you’re lucky, your new internet provider offers the first month of service for free. Otherwise, you must be precise about when you end one service and begin the other to keep from paying two bills. You should not see an overlap if you’re transferring an existing internet service to another address.

So, how do you avoid the billing overlap? Read on to find out why you should set the end and start dates.

Set the start date of your new service

Set the start date of your new service to the day you move into your new home. Ideally, you want a new installation to happen during the month prior to your move. You’ll need to be present at the new address, so the technician can connect the equipment you need to get online. Once everything is installed, your service begins on the day you specified.

If your new service has a hybrid install option, you can connect the equipment yourself when you move in. A self-install kit does not require a technician, so you can set up your internet at your convenience. Your service begins on the day you specified, whether you’ve installed the kit or not.

A service transfer does not require a professional or hybrid installation. Again, your service begins on the day you specified, whether you’ve installed the kit or not.

Set the end date of your old service

Set the end date of your old service to the day (or the day after) you move out. With DSL and cable internet, be sure to return your leased equipment on the day or the day after you move out. With fiber internet, return your leased router or gateway and unplug your fiber ONT (it’s not removable).

If you’re transferring service and using your leased equipment at the new address, pull the power so you’re not using the current connection and adding time to your existing bill. Take the equipment with you to your new home.

Switching to Spectrum is easy

Spectrum is one of the largest internet providers in the nation. Chances are high that it’s available at your new address, and Spectrum Internet offers speeds up to 2 Gig in many areas. If your new home is eligible, you can use a self-install kit to get started quickly and easily.

If you know your new address supports Spectrum Internet but you’re unfamiliar with the service, we’ve done the homework for you. Spectrum Internet includes a modem at no extra cost and has no data caps, which can make the switch easier to plan before moving day.

All Spectrum Internet^® plans and pricing

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