New place, new internet: How to pick the right ISP for your needs

What to know when switching internet providers

Moving into a new place often comes with a ton of to-do lists. One of those items on your list is most likely finding a new internet service provider (ISP), especially if you’ve moved away from your former neighborhood. 

Or, maybe you picked the first ISP on the list when you moved just to get that chore done. Now, after some time in your new home, you realize your internet is unreliable or the price has jumped after the introductory pricing ended and you need something less expensive.

Determine your internet needs

The first step in determining your internet needs is choosing which types of internet can best meet those needs. Although more speed is always fun to have, the speeds you need will depend largely on how you use the internet:

• Casual browsing and social media: Casual web browsing and social media don’t require a lot of speed. Anything up to 25 Mbps should be enough, with the higher end of the range giving you some wiggle room to stream a movie now and then.
• HD video streaming: Technically, you need about 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming through Netflix and about twice that for YouTube. In reality, though, these services tend to buffer (preload video) at much higher speeds. If you can, go for a connection that’s at least 50 to 100 Mbps.
• Online gaming: Gaming only requires speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps, depending on game specifications, but lag can be a problem. For the smoothest gameplay, online gamers should connect at 50 to 100 Mbps or more.
• Homes with just a few devices: The above recommendations apply to one or two devices connecting simultaneously. If you have a small household, follow the suggestions above.
• Homes with many connected devices: If you have an internet-connected smart home, or your family has a lot of devices, go for a faster connection. For example, the HD streaming speeds detailed above are per device. If your family watches different movies in different parts of the house, each connection needs plenty of speed. Choose a connection that’s at least 150 to 200 Mbps.

As you might expect, different types of internet cater to different needs:

• Fiber-optic: Fiber-optic internet carries data on light signals along fibers bundled together in cables. It offers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) for both downloading and uploading and is a popular choice for those with smart homes and those interested in future-proofing their internet connection. However, it’s not yet available in many markets as of early 2020.
• Cable: Cable internet connects to the same network as cable TV, using space on designated channels. Average cable download speeds are up to 200 Mbps, and many companies now offer speeds of 1,000 Mbps. Unlike fiber, though, upload speeds are slower than download speeds due to providers prioritizing the activities we do most online. Cable internet is widely available across the United States, except in very rural areas.
• DSL: Short for digital subscriber line, DSL internet uses the extra bandwidth on your traditional home phone line. It doesn’t take over the entire line, but service quality varies depending on how far you are from the closest access point. Download speeds of up to 100 Mbps are available in some areas, though speeds under 10 Mbps are more typical, especially in rural areas. DSL can be a very cost-effective choice, especially if you already have a landline home phone.
• Satellite: If you live in a very remote area, satellite internet may be your only option. There are three satellite internet providers available in the U.S.: Starlink, HughesNet and Viasat.  Although all three providers offer high-speed internet, satellite internet in general is not known for being as efficient as fiber or cable internet due to high latency. The best part of satellite internet is that it’s available mostly everywhere in the country.

Things you should know if you’re switching providers

If cost, internet speeds, or location are causing you to seek out other internet options, remember to look into the cancellation process with your old provider before signing up with a new one. Often, internet service providers will lock you into a contract that includes early termination fees.

Check your previous provider’s website or call customer support to learn more about their cancellation process.

If you’re between a rock and a hard place and need a new provider before your move, some companies run promotions that offer buyouts from your former provider. The new provider may cover your early termination fee or other costs that come with switching to their service. Make sure to check with your new company before signing on the dotted line.

Check the provider for equipment, installation, service, and other fees. These can add up fast to make your bill less manageable. Take note of the ending date for the promotional price offer when you sign up. Make sure when it’s over, you can afford the “real” monthly price.

If you like your service in general, but are switching mainly due to price, consider reaching out to your provider’s customer retention department. They may work with you to lower your monthly ISP costs.

Learn more about switching internet providers with Allconnect.

Compare providers in your area to determine if they’re right for you

Once you get a list of names, you can start to compare providers — what they offer and the deals they include. With Allconnect’s internet service provider comparisons, you can look at companies side-by-side to study different plans and how those offerings may best fit your family’s needs. This will help keep you from overpaying or choosing the wrong plan.

Here are a few popular providers:

• AT&T: Straightforward pricing
• Verizon Fios: 100% fiber optic network 
• CenturyLink: No contract option
• Xfinity: Highest top speeds
• Cox: Great equipment and extras
• Frontier: Rural availability
• Charter Spectrum: Contract buyout offer
• Mediacom: Bundle savings

You may be thinking: This is a lot of work. Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with the list of providers in your area and determine if they offer the type of internet you want.

Don’t get bogged down by jargon and don’t be afraid to ask each provider lots of questions. Most importantly, negotiate! At the end of the day, it’s your decision and the provider wants your business.

Think through money-saving options

Don’t be afraid to ask each company about mover discounts or deals for switching providers. Local providers often run promotions with different sign-on deals. Look for those deals by inputting your new address with Allconnect here.

Another money-saving option to think through? Bundling your internet with your TV. This could cut a substantial amount from your monthly bill, depending on the provider you choose. With some providers (like AT&T), you can also bundle your wireless plans with internet.

Final Tips

Consider reputation and customer service

You may be enticed by the best deal and lowest cost, but don’t let it rule your entire decision. You will likely have to deal with your internet provider a number of times after signing the contract. Let’s be honest, internet providers may not be numero uno on your “list of people I want to talk to.”

So, do yourself a favor and research their reputation by looking at customer reviews and the company’s American Customer Satisfaction Index ranking.

Sign only when you’re satisfied

Remember to ask questions and negotiate. If you don’t understand your contract or the terms of your internet package, talk with your provider. And work hard to get the best deal by asking for those promos and bundles. Remember: You have the power.

Plus, this will help you determine the quality of customer service.

Read the fine print

We can’t stress this enough. We know you’re tired and that the moving process comes with tons of documents that have LOTS of fine print.

Don’t get lazy now, or you’ll be sucked into a contract you don’t really want.

Put on those reading glasses. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and read. Don’t be scared of the legalese (which we know is everywhere in that contract). Make note of terms and phrases you don’t understand and ask the provider.

How to switch internet providers step by step

Fortunately, it’s possible to switch internet providers by taking a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Research new providers

The first step is to learn which internet providers offer service in your area. You can use this ZIP code search tool to narrow down your search to providers in your neighborhood. Research available plans to determine which ones might fit your needs and budget. You might wonder, “Can I switch internet providers mid-contract?” If this is a concern for you, look for a new provider that will buy out your existing contract.

Step 2: Call your current internet provider to inquire about deals

Before you sign up with a new provider, call your existing internet provider. Companies prefer not to lose customers, so they may offer you a good deal to stay. If your current service is acceptable, it’s worth comparing the offer to those you found from other providers to see if it makes sense to stick with your existing ISP.

Step 3: Overlap your services

If you’re wondering how to switch internet providers without losing internet, the solution is to overlap your services. Don’t turn off your current service until your new service is installed and working properly. You will end up paying for a few days of both services, but it may be worth it to avoid losing your internet.

Step 4: Choose your installation

Depending on the type of internet service you choose and whether your home has existing lines, you may be able to install your new internet yourself or you may need professional installation. Your sales representative should be able to help you decide which type of installation is right for you.

Step 5: Test your new connection

If you have a professional installer come to your home, they will make sure the connection is working properly. If you install your own equipment, take the time to check out a few websites and maybe stream a TV show to make sure there are no problems with the connection.

Step 6: Return your old equipment

When your new connection is running properly, cancel your former service and return all equipment that belongs to that provider as soon as possible to avoid fees.