The quick answer
Order the new service before cancelling the old one, overlap them by a day or two, and return the old equipment within the window (unreturned-equipment fees run $100–$300). If you’re under a contract, ask the new provider about buyouts — Spectrum, for example, covers up to $500 of early-termination fees for switchers.
The 7-step switch
- Compare at your address — enter your ZIP and see every provider, speed, and current promo.
- Check your current terms — promo end date, contract/ETF status, equipment list.
- Order the new service — schedule install; ask about buyout credits and included equipment.
- Install while the old line is live — test speeds and WiFi coverage before anything is cancelled.
- Move your devices — reusing the old WiFi name/password lets most devices reconnect automatically.
- Cancel the old service — note the confirmation number; time it to the billing cycle (most don’t prorate).
- Return old equipment immediately — get a receipt; this is the #1 source of surprise charges.
When switching is worth it
- Your promo expired and the bill jumped $20–$35 — the classic trigger.
- Fiber arrived on your street — symmetrical speeds, usually for the same money.
- You’re paying equipment leases a competitor includes free.
- A mobile bundle would cut home internet to $35 (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile).
Start: compare providers at your address
Check availability at your address
Call (855) 643-8023Frequently asked questions
Can I switch internet providers anytime?
Yes — most 2026 plans are contract-free, so switching costs nothing but the setup. If you are under a legacy contract, early-termination fees typically run $10–$15 per remaining month, and switch-target providers often cover them (Spectrum buys out up to $500).
How do I avoid internet downtime when switching?
Overlap: install and test the new service while the old one still works, then cancel. One or two days of overlap costs a few dollars and guarantees a working connection throughout — critical if you work from home.
What happens if I don’t return my old modem?
The provider bills an unreturned-equipment fee, commonly $100–$300 per device. Return it within the stated window (usually 14–30 days), keep the receipt, and photograph serial numbers before dropping it off.
Keep reading
Sources: FCC Broadband Data Collection (Dec 2024 vintage) for coverage — broadbandmap.fcc.gov; provider and industry pricing sources verified July 10, 2026. Pricing is promotional/entry-rate, varies by address, and changes often — confirm with the provider.