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How to Change Internet Providers

It’s important to understand the steps involved when changing from one internet provider to another in Australia.

Written by , updated on February 13th, 2024

Looking to change internet or NBN providers? Whether you're seeking faster speeds, better customer service or a more affordable plan, making the switch can be a game-changer for your online experience. However, navigating the process can seem daunting, which is why it’s important to understand it inside and out before you dive into your new plan.

In Savvy’s comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps involved in changing to a new internet provider, as well as some of the key considerations to keep in mind. From assessing your needs to cancelling your old service and setting up the new one, find out all about how to switch your internet plan here!

Step 1: Assess your current plan and setup

Before diving into the process of changing internet providers, it's crucial to assess your current plan and setup. Start by reviewing your existing contract, noting any early termination fees and understanding the terms of cancellation. Take note of your current internet speed, data allowance and any additional services like entertainment bundles or home phone lines. This assessment will help you identify what you want to improve or change in your new plan.

Additionally, evaluate your home network setup. Consider the type of modem or router you have, any connected devices and whether you're experiencing dead zones or slow connection areas in your home. Understanding your current setup will help you make an informed decision when selecting a new plan and provider.

Step 2: Compare available offers on the market

With a clear understanding of your current plan and setup, it's time to compare the available offers on the market. Start by researching providers offering plans available in your area. Look for those who offer plans tailored to your needs, whether it's high-speed internet for gaming or streaming or a budget-friendly option for basic browsing. Pay attention to details like contract length, monthly fees and any promotional offers.

Use online comparison tools (such as Savvy) and read customer reviews to get a sense of the reputation and reliability of potential providers. Take note of any additional perks or services offered, such as free installation, Wi-Fi equipment or bundle options to help determine whether they’re worth it for you.

Step 3: Choose your new provider and sign up for your plan

Once you've thoroughly researched your options, it's time to select your new provider and sign up for your chosen plan. Contact your new provider to initiate the process and they’ll guide you through the signup procedure, which typically involves providing your personal information, selecting a plan and scheduling an installation appointment if needed. This can be done online in most cases.

During this step, make sure to enquire about any special offers or discounts for new customers. Ask about installation fees, equipment costs and contract terms. Ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of your new plan, including its start date and any potential future cancellation fees.

Step 4: Transfer data over to your new plan

This step is only necessary for those using an email address or phone line through their current internet plan. If this is you and you wish to keep these services, you’ll need to migrate them over to your new plan before you cancel with your existing provider.

Transfer any important emails and contacts over to Gmail, Outlook or another service to ensure they aren’t lost, while you’ll have to do the same for a landline phone number. Anything left in place at the time you cancel your plan will be lost.

Step 5: Cancel your existing internet plan

With your new internet plan up and running smoothly, it's time to cancel your existing plan with your previous provider. Contact them to initiate the cancellation process and follow their instructions, which may include returning equipment, settling any outstanding bills or paying applicable exit fees. Be sure to coordinate the timing of the cancellation with the activation of your new plan to minimise downtime.

Remember to keep records of your cancellation confirmation and any returned equipment receipts. This helps ensure a seamless transition and can help prevent any unexpected charges from your previous provider.

Common questions about changing internet providers

How long does it take to change internet providers?

The time it takes to switch internet providers can vary depending on several factors. In some cases, it can take a few days to a few weeks. It typically involves the time needed for your new provider to set up your connection and any waiting periods required by your previous provider. The process may include equipment delivery and installation, both of which may delay the process, so it's essential to plan accordingly.

Can I use my existing modem for my new internet plan?

Whether you can use your existing modem for your new internet plan depends on compatibility. If your modem is compatible with your new provider's technology and can support the speeds available on your new plan, you may be able to continue using it. However, some providers may include a modem for free as part of their package, so using their equipment may be more convenient or necessary.

How do I change providers from an ADSL plan to the NBN?

To switch from an ADSL plan to the NBN, follow these general steps:

Check NBN availability in your area.
If available, choose an NBN plan and provider.
Sign up with the selected provider.
Schedule an NBN installation appointment.
Prepare for the installation day, which may involve setting up new equipment.
Cancel your existing ADSL plan, coordinate the timing, and return any equipment as required by your current provider.

Helpful guides on internet plans

Receive a $50 Woolworths eGift Card*

Receive a $50 Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Savvy's partner, Econnex Comparison. Terms and conditions apply.

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

$50 Woolworths eGift card terms and conditions

The Promoter is CIMET Sales Pty Ltd ABN 72 620 395 726. Level 18/570 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000. Econnex Comparison is powered by CIMET.
Promotion available on qualifying Broadband Plan purchases between 1^st February 2024 to 31^st July 2024 (“Promotional Period”) and may be withdrawn at any time by Econnex Econnex Comparison retains the right to change or alter the terms of this offer.
You (“Customer”) will receive $50 worth of Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Econnex Comparison, subject to these Terms and Conditions.

Information on how to qualify to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card forms part of these Terms and Conditions. Participation in this promotion is considered acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards, you must purchase the Broadband Plan via the following link: https://app.econnex.com.au/broadband?rcCode=90709
You must switch to a new Broadband retailer. Customers who change plans via Econnex but remain with the same retailer will not be eligible.
Your Broadband Plan must be connected within 30 days from the date of purchase.
Eligible Recipients will receive the applicable Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards by email up to 120 days after purchasing the Broadband Plan.
Econnex Comparison is not liable if any Customer details supplied are incorrect.
Econnex Comparison is providing this offer in conjunction with the retail services offered on its platform.
Details of Econnex Comparison retailers can be found at the following link: https://www.econnex.com.au/approved-providers-list
You must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over. Econnex Comparison may request you to provide a copy of your valid ID for identification purposes.
The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards and Customer’s information (including the Customer’s identity, age and place of residence) and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, tampered with the claim process, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise fair and proper conduct of the promotion.
Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter's discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
When the request for a connection cannot be completed, is unsuccessful, or a request is made for the cancellation of your Broadband Plan within the first 30 days from the date of connection, you will not be eligible to receive any gift card.
Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card is subject to any issuer Terms and Conditions.
Any ancillary costs with redeeming the gift cards are not included.
No responsibility is taken for any lost or stolen Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Cards.
If the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are unavailable, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards to a card with equivalent value, subject to directions from a regulatory authority.
If the offer is not able to be conducted as reasonably anticipated, due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to: technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the extent permitted by law: a. to disqualify any individual; or b. to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from Econnex

Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions.

Econnex Comparison will transfer your Broadband Plan request and details to the selected retailer.
Econnex Comparison may contact you to clarify any details or discrepancies in the information you provided for your Broadband Plan purchase.
To cancel your request, you will need to contact the Broadband Plan retailer and inform them of your decision.
Please note that we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands.
If you have any inquiries regarding your Broadband Plan purchase, you can contact us directly at 1800 013 000 or email us at [email protected]
Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions: https://www.econnex.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
By participating in this promotion, the individual authorises the Promoter to collect, hold, use and disclose their personal information in accordance with Econnex’s privacy policy, including providing such information to third parties such as contractors, service providers, suppliers and where required or authorised by law. Econnex’s Privacy policy can be found at https://www.econnex.com.au/privacy-policy
Econnex may, unless the individual tells us not to, use the information to communicate with them by mail or electronically by, for example, email, phone, SMS to issue direct marketing and commercial communications telemarketing calls.
To opt out of direct marketing access, update, or correct personal information you may contact us at [email protected]

Other Information

Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card but is not the Promoter of the offer nor responsible for fulfillment of the offer terms.
Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards have a fixed term expiry as displayed on the front of the gift card and are redeemable in-store and online at Woolworths Supermarket stores only.
Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are valid for 3 months from the issue date and Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are not reloadable or redeemable for cash.
Econnex Comparison and Woolworths will not replace, expired, lost, stolen, or deleted Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards.
Check your Spam/junk email if you have not received a Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card in your inbox within 120 days after activation of your Energy, Electricity or Gas Plan.
Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Card is sent via email from [email protected] or [email protected]
For enquiries related to the application, gift cards, or adding or removing any details on the application, please contact the Econnex Comparison at 1800 013 000 or e-mail us at [email protected]
For the balance and transactions history on this Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card and Woolworths Terms and Conditions visit https://woolworths.com.au/giftcards or call 1300 101 234.

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Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.