How Often Should You Switch Internet Providers?

It’s easy to forget about how much you pay for internet service every month. Most providers give you a discount for setting up autopay. And just like the water or the electricity bill, you never think about your connection unless there’s a problem.

Internet service may feel like a utility, but here’s the truth: switching providers is easier than ever, you probably have more options than you know, and you have a lot to gain.

Why you should shop for a new home internet provider

You already know you need to shop for a new internet provider if you’re moving to a new address or if you’re experiencing outages, slowdowns, or billing problems with your provider.

But if that’s the only time you shop, you could be missing out.

Shop because your situation is changing

Changes to your budget, your tech setup, or your household are all reasons to shop for a new service (or at least upgrade your plan). Here’s a quick list of times to consider a switch:

• Your monthly price has increased: Internet prices typically go up one or two years after you sign up. Then, they may go up any time the provider increases a fee, changes rates across the board, or stops covering necessities like your internet gateway. Most providers give you a discount for using autopay and paperless billing, so you may not always know if your bill has changed.
• Your contract has expired: Only a few internet providers still enforce contracts. But if you have been on a contract and it’s set to expire, you should definitely shop for contract-free alternatives. Let freedom ring!
• You have fancy new gadgets: You won’t be able to take full advantage of your new smartphone or big, beautiful 4K TV if your internet plan is too slow or your router is too old. Comparison shopping can help you solve both problems, because a new plan usually comes with new equipment.
• You are starting to work or learn remotely: Your old plan might have been great for streaming YouTube and checking your email, but you need a lot more speed (upload and download) if your day-to-day requires regular video calls or managing big files. Pair a new internet service with that new remote job or new school, and you’ll be off to the races.
• You have new roommates: More people in the house means more connected devices, and that means you need a faster plan. It probably also means you’re revisiting the household finances. Get some breathing room in your budget by finding a better price on internet service.

It makes sense to shop when your situation changes, but you should also shop to take advantage of the competitive marketplace.

You could qualify for the following:

• Free service for an introductory period
• Free internet equipment
• Prepaid gift cards
• A free year of mobile service
• Complimentary streaming services
• And much more

Check out my colleague’s guide to actually finding deals in your area to get started.

Shop for a better customer experience

It’s easy to complain about customer service problems with internet service providers, and it’s fair. You shouldn’t have to put up with billing problems, spending hours on hold, or being dismissed and misunderstood by chatbots or representatives in call centers overseas.

If your current internet provider isn’t giving you the treatment you deserve, it makes sense to switch.

Look for a provider with consistent pricing, a great mobile app, and multiple ways to reach customer service.

How to save when you don’t want to switch

Maybe you’re not ready to switch. I get it, but I still think you deserve to know your options. That way, you have more leverage when you call your provider for an upgrade or a discount.

Check out our guide on what to do when your price goes up for more advice on how to talk your way into a better deal.

Love your provider? Get paid to refer a friend

Referral credits are another great way to game the system without having to change your plan or your provider. You can get up to $500 per year from some providers for referring your friends, and they might get a credit on their account too.

If your provider offers a referral program, look for it in your mobile app. There’s usually a way to create a custom link that you can send to your friends. Once they click it, they’ll have to register their email on the referral portal (and may need to give your name or account number). Then, they’ll need to use the same email during checkout.

From there, assuming your friend meets all the relevant qualifications, such as keeping the account open for a few months and choosing a minimum plan speed, you’ll get your reward. It may come as a bill credit or a gift card with strict rules about expiration. Take your time to read all your terms and conditions.

My take: Shop when the kids are out of school

Internet providers tend to offer the best promotions when a lot of people are moving, so it’s a good idea to look at your internet options every year around spring break or graduation season. Think of it like spring cleaning for your household budget.

Providers offer valuable perks during the winter holidays, so shopping on Black Friday could help you take advantage of special promotions. This timing lets you maximize freebies while providers aim to grow their subscriber numbers before the end of the year.

Set a calendar reminder to shop twice a year for internet service. When it pops up, compare providers using our tool and choose your next best deal.