How to change your internet provider

How to switch your NBN provider

Change to a new NBN provider and plan in just 4 easy steps:

1. Check your current plan and modem set-up
2. Compare internet plans and providers
3. Check your address with your new provider to confirm availability and sign up to your new plan
4. Cancel your current internet plan

Step 1: Check your current plan and hardware

Before you make plans to change NBN providers, it's a good idea to take stock of your existing plan and any hardware.

• If you plan to BYO modem to the new provider, double-check that your modem isn't locked to your current provider. If it is, you might need to ask your provider to unlock it.

Keep in mind that some internet providers, such as TPG and Exetel, require 30 days notice to cancel your NBN service.

Its terms and conditions stipulate that you must pay for charges up to the end of the notice period. In cases like these, you might want to time your cancellation notice to match the end of your last billing period to avoid paying for an extra month you don't want.

If your NBN plan was on a contract (eg. 24 months), and if you're leaving before that period ends, chances are there will be some fees to pay. You should check if there are any fees you'll need to pay for leaving early, such as cancellation and modem fees.

Moving house? Confirm which type of NBN connection you'll have in your new place. This will help determine if your current modem is compatible and whether you need any extra pieces of tech, like an NBN connection box.

Finder survey: How hard do Australians find switching internet plans in different states?

Step 2: Compare NBN plans and providers

With the sheer number of NBN plans available, making a decision about which plan you'd like to sign up for can be overwhelming. Think about your reasons for switching. Are you after:

A better deal?

If you've been with your current internet provider for over a year, chances are, you could be getting a better price for a similar plan. Shop around to compare plans and you might be surprised by what extra features or sign-up discounts another provider might be offering.

Better service?

Read reviews, talk to friends and family and research online. When looking at crowdsourced online reviews, use common sense. Fake reviews are becoming more common. See if you notice a trend across different review sites such as TrustPilot or Product Review to confirm if reviews are from real customers.

Faster speed?

With many providers offering similar typical evening speeds these days, one way to separate them is to see how reliable these speeds are. Each quarter, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) ranks the most reliable NBN providers in Australia. A higher ranking means more reliable advertised speeds. Taking stock of what you actually use the internet for will also help determine what speed you need. If you only email or browse the web, you can get by with slower speeds, but if you frequently play games or stream in 4K, you'd want a faster connection.

Step 3: Sign up to your new provider

Once you've considered all your options and made a choice that's right for you, it's time to sign up to your new provider.

If you're staying at the same address and choosing to BYO modem, it could be as fast as a few hours or the next business day.

Moving house? It's good practice to sign up at least a few days to a week before you need your plan. That way, if there are issues with the delivery or set-up of your new modem, or the connection itself, you won't be stranded without any internet.

• Keep in mind: If you're moving to a new development that's not already connected to the NBN, you may be charged $300 to connect your premises to the NBN.

Step 4: Transfer any data and break up with your old provider

If you've got an email or phone service connected to your old NBN provider that you'd like to keep, you'll need to transfer these before you close your account. Otherwise you will lose emails and contacts, or your landline phone number.

• Email: Your provider should assist you with transferring your emails and contact information to a third-party service like Google Gmail or Microsoft Outlook. Remember any data you don't transfer may be lost when you close your account.
• Home phone service: Arrange for your landline phone number to be transferred before you switch from your old service. If your old service ends before you transfer, you will lose your existing home phone number.

Once you've confirmed any data transfers and paid any outstanding bills, it's time to cancel your plan with your old NBN provider.

• Keep in mind: Your new provider may not automatically cancel your old NBN connection when you switch. Calling up yourself provides peace of mind that everything has been organised.

Compare NBN plans

Pop in your address below to find NBN plans tailored to your connection type at your address, or compare NBN plans yourself.

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Name	Product	Data allowance	Typical download speed	Price	Hid Compare Box!
TPG NBN50 NBN Month-to-month OFFER: $0 for the first month, then $79.99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 2.7.24 Finder Award	Month-to-month BYO modem or purchase for $99.95	Unlimited Data Data Unlimited Data	50Mbps nbn™50 Speed 50Mbps nbn™50	$79.99 per month Min total cost is $0 for first month Price $79.99 per month Min total cost is $0 for first month		Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Dodo NBN50 NBN Month-to-month OFFER: $65/mth for the first 6 months, then $80/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.6.24	Month-to-month BYO modem or purchase for $79. T&Cs apply	Unlimited Data Data Unlimited Data	50Mbps nbn™50 Speed 50Mbps nbn™50	$65 per month Min total cost is $65 for first month Price $65 per month Min total cost is $65 for first month		Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Tangerine NBN Value Plus NBN Month-to-month OFFER: $59.90/mth for the first 6 months, then $79.90/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Finder Award	Month-to-month BYO modem or purchase from $129.90	Unlimited Data Data Unlimited Data	50Mbps nbn™50 Speed 50Mbps nbn™50	$59.90 per month Min total cost is $59.90 for first month Price $59.90 per month Min total cost is $59.90 for first month		Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Optus Plus Everyday Fast nbn® NBN Month-to-month OFFER: Introductory offer: $89/mth for the first 6 months, normally $99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.	Month-to-month Optus Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2 included for $0 if you stay connected for 36 mths. T&Cs apply	Unlimited Data Data Unlimited Data	100Mbps nbn™100 Speed 100Mbps nbn™100	$89 per month Min total cost is $395 for first month Price $89 per month Min total cost (incl delivery + fees) is $395 for first month		Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Swoop NBN Home Everyday NBN Month-to-month OFFER: $64/mth for the first 6 months, then $79/mth. Use code SUMMER15. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 14.5.24	Month-to-month BYO modem or purchase for $130	Unlimited Data Data Unlimited Data	50Mbps nbn™50 Speed 50Mbps nbn™50	$64 per month Min total cost is $64 for first month Price $64 per month Min total cost is $64 for first month		Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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It's important to remember when switching internet providers to review the terms and conditions of your current retailer. Even if you aren't in a lock in contract some like Exetel can have a 30-day cancellation policy. So if you don't cancel beforehand you might get stuck paying for 2 plans at once for a month like I did.

— Aaron McAllister, utilities publisher

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Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take to switch NBN providers?

  The process of changing to another NBN provider should take between 1 and 2 business days.

  But there are factors that could affect this

  You can use the internet as normal until your new provider lets you know they've completed the switch. That's when it's time to set up a new modem or reconfigure your old one to the new provider.

• Can I use my current modem with another provider?

  Generally, yes. As long as the technology you're using (for example NBN) isn't changing, it's possible to keep the same modem.

  Most providers have lists of compatible modems available on their websites with instructions for configuration. You can always check the details of your modem and confirm with your new provider that it will function normally.

  Some providers may not let you BYO modem. For example, Telstra automatically includes a 4G back-up modems in its NBN plans.

• Which providers allow you to bring your own modem?

  The following providers offer BYO modem NBN plans, allowing you to save on modem fees:

  • Accord
  • AGL
  • ANT Communications
  • Aussie Broadband
  • Australia Broadband
  • Belong Broadband
  • Bendigo Telco
  • Clear Networks
  • Dodo Broadband
  • Escapenet
  • Exetel
  • Flip
  • Foxtel Broadband
  • Future Broadband
  • Goodtel Broadband
  • iiNet
  • Inspired Broadband
  • Internode
  • IPSTAR
  • Kogan Broadband
  • Launtel
  • Mate Broadband
  • Moose Broadband
  • More
  • MyOwntel
  • Optus
  • Origin Broadband
  • Pennytel Broadband
  • Southern Phone
  • SpinTet
  • Sumo
  • Superloop
  • Swoop Broadband
  • Tangerine Broadband
  • Telechoice
  • Tomi
  • TPG Broadband
  • Vodafone Broadband
  • Westnet Broadband

• Do I need to cancel my current NBN plan before switching?

  Yes. It's your responsibility to cancel your old plan. It won't automatically cancel like your phone plan does when you transfer a phone number.

  You can cancel whenever you like in the process, but it's a good idea to get in touch with your old provider early to find out your last billing date. That way, you can make sure your new plan is set up around the same time and avoid paying for 2 plans at once.

  But if you cancel too early before your new plan is set up and ready, you could face a period without internet. You'd want to make sure everything is okay with your new provider.

• How do I change NBN providers if I'm renting?

  If you're renting and your home or apartment is already connected to the NBN, you can simply follow the 4 steps above to switch to a new provider.

  Where it might get slightly more complicated is if you're renting a home or apartment that requires a new connection to be installed. In that case, you'll need to get in touch with your landlord, agent or property manager to get their approval before any NBN technicians can commence work.

  Some landlords may make certain requests on where the NBN equipment is installed.

• Is it easy to change NBN providers?

  Yes, switching is easier than you would think. Technology has come a long way in recent years to the point that changing NBN providers is faster and more efficient than ever. It can be done in as few as 4 steps, with some switches active after as little as 2 hours.

  With most NBN providers offering no-lock-in contracts on their plans, you could switch as often as you'd like. Just keep in mind that promotional offers are only available to new customers.

• How often should I change NBN providers?

  A good timeframe would be to compare NBN plans every 6 months (which is usually when promotional offers end) to make sure you're still getting a competitive deal. While it might sound inconvenient to do it this frequently, it's good practice to do this if you want to save money.