How to Cancel Your Internet Service Provider

Mon, Mar 14, 2022 3:50 AM

Many consumers are dissatisfied with their existing internet service but are hesitant to transfer to a new one. Switching internet service providers (ISPs) takes time and effort, and it can feel risky, especially if you're not sure what you actually want.

The good news is that it doesn't have to be challenging. You can end your unsatisfactory connection with your ISP and go on to something better!

Look for a New Plan

The first thing you should do is look for a new internet provider that suits your requirements. Here are a few things to think about while determining what you require:

• What kind of speed do you require?

• Are you ready to commit to a long-term contract?

• What do you do the most on the internet?

• What speed do you need?

The prevailing consensus regarding download speed is that quicker is better. Is that true, though?

If you're attempting to stream video or have a house full of people trying to use the internet at the same time, download speed is critical. However, if you're only checking your email, the difference between a 10 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps connection won't be noticeable. On the other side, your monthly bill will.

You should never overpay for speed that you won't use. If you're not sure how much download speed you'll need for your day-to-day activity, figure it out.

Are you ready to commit to a long-term contract?

Dealing with contracts is one of the most difficult aspects of switching internet plans. To get the cheapest costs, many internet plans demand 12- or 24-month contracts. While these long-term plans sometimes result in reduced monthly bills, they often include early termination costs if you want to leave your contract early, which can end up costing you more in the long run.

You might look for a plan that does not require you to sign a contract. These plans are month-to-month in nature. If you decide you don't want to stay with that provider, you can opt not to renew your subscription the next month and switch to another without incurring any termination penalties. These plans are occasionally (but not always) more expensive than long-term policies. The flexibility, though, is definitely worth it for many people.

Best Internet Plans without a contract

Google Fiber 1 Gig
$70.00/mo.*    
Fiber    
1 Gbps 
(1,000 Mbps)

AT&T Fiber Internet 300
$35.00/mo.†    
Fiber    
300 Mbps

Xfinity Prepaid Internet
$45.00/mo.‡
Cable    
50 Mbps

Cox StraightUp Internet
$50.00/mo.§    
Cable    
25 Mbps

CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet
$50.00/mo.    
DSL    
100 Mbps

What do you do when you are online?

An internet connection is much more than just download speed. If you're a content creator, upload speed could be a major consideration when selecting a service. If you work from home, a dependable connection, such as fiber, may be important to you. If you play online games or utilize video chat, latency may be more important than download speed to you.

In any event, it's critical to properly investigate the suppliers in your area. Don't just choose the fastest option; go for the one that best suits your family's internet requirements.

Check the Pros and Cons

If you've chosen a good package or two, it's time to compare them to your present internet service. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating a strategy, but there are a few points to keep in mind:

• Is this plan compatible with my monthly budget?

• Is this plan fast enough for my needs?

• Is this plan more efficient than my current one?

• Is the price tag justified by the features?

• Is there a good reputation for this Internet service provider?

• Is there a cost to this plan that I'm not aware of?

• Is there a data cap on this plan?

• Are there any charges upfront?

• Will there be any price increases in the future?

• Will there be any charges if I cancel my current plan?

Inquire with your existing service provider about a possible upgrade.

Still undecided about making the switch? It's possible that you'll be able to enhance your current service. If they don't want to lose your business, ISPs can be flexible. If you're mainly satisfied with your existing internet package, contact it to see if it can offer you a better rate.

Providers frequently have special deals that current customers are unaware of, and you may be able to gain a special discount or a free upgrade to keep your business with the ISP. This isn't always the case, but it's worth the effort if you can save a lot of money with just one phone call.

When bargaining with your ISP, keep in mind how you weighed the benefits and drawbacks of your plan. It's not worth it, for example, if the customer support representative offers you a discount but the speeds they offer are still too slow. Stay only if you receive an offer that is truly better for you than switching.

Get your new plan first

Get your new plan up and operating before you cancel your old one. Because most plans cost on a monthly basis, you'll have a month to get your new connection set up.

The majority of ISPs strive to make setup and installation as simple as possible. If you're having a professional installation done, make sure you schedule it ahead of time because it might take up to a week or two to get a technician to your home.

If you plan to install your new internet yourself, the process may typically be completed much faster, but you may have to wait for your equipment to be delivered to your home.

Say Goodbye to your Old Provider

It's time to say goodbye to your old ISP once your new internet connection is up and operating. Customer service representatives will frequently encourage you to stay and reward you with discounts or advantages if you do.

These discounts, of course, aren't very enticing if your new service is already up and operating. Plus, if you've already phoned customer support, you're likely to have heard all of these offers before, so you won't miss out on a great deal.

So there you have it—terminating your relationship with your internet provider is as simple as that. Now is your chance to have the online experience you've always desired.

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