How to change your internet provider

Step 1: Check your current connection

Before you make plans to change internet providers, it's a good idea to take stock of your existing plan and hardware. Here are 3 questions to find an answer to:

1. What technology are you on? Fixed-line NBN, Home Wireless, or something else?
2. Is your modem locked? If you got an included modem, it could be network locked.
3. Is your internet fast enough? Switching providers is the perfect time to up your speed.

Let's break these down one-by-one.

What technology type are you on?

Most Aussies are on fixed-line NBN, but there are a few other internet technologies available, including:

• Fixed-line NBN
• Home Wireless (4G/5G)
• HFC (aka cable internet)
• Fixed Wireless NBN (radio waves!)
• Satellite NBN (from space!)

You'll need to know what technology you're on to switch. Learn about each internet technology here.

If you're moving house or want to switch technology, you can use our internet address checker to learn what's available at your place.

Is your modem locked?

If you want to reuse your current modem, you'll need to check if it's locked to your current provider. If you're on home wireless, it's likely the modem won't be reusable on a new network. If you're using fixed-line NBN it's probably not completely 'locked', but you might need to change some settings. Your current provider will be able to tell you for sure if it's network locked, and may be able to unlock it for you.

If this sounds too technical, skip this step by getting a plan with an included modem.

Is your internet fast enough?

If you're not happy with the speed of your current plan, then switching is a perfect time to fix that. You'll be able to find your current speed tier on your bill, or by calling your current provider. Then when you compare plans, start with one or two speed tiers up from what you're on now. Learn more about internet speed tiers here.

"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

Publisher

Step 2: Compare internet plans

This is the fun bit. Head over to our internet comparison tool to see providers with a tonne of different price points and speeds. Use the filters to narrow down your choices to exactly what you want.

On the subject of what you want, what do you want?

A better internet deal?

If you've been with your current internet provider a while, chances are there are cheaper options out there. Prices often move about, and there are some great offers and sign-up deals to knock a few dollars off your monthly bill.

Better internet service?

Whether it's switching to a more reliable technology, a more provider with better peak speeds or a provider with better customer service, switching can make your internet experience better overall.

Faster internet speeds?

Yeah, you wanna go fast. Filter your results for speed tier to make sure you get a plan that's at least as fast as your current connection. It's also important to check the typical evening speeds of any new provider - we list this in the comparison tables.

Step 3: Sign-up online

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.

If you're moving home, try to sign up a week or so before you need your plan. That way, there's time for delivery or set-up issues. If you're moving to a new development that's not already connected to the NBN, there may be some additional charges to get the initial connection done.

Do you need to break-up with your old provider?

Breaking up is hard to do...but ditching your old internet provider is super simple. You new provider should sort it all out in the background, and you'll just receive a cancellation notice and final bill from your old provider.

If that doesn't happen in the first week after switching, give them a quick call to confirm.

Keeping your landline number

If you have a phone number with your current provider that you'd like to keep, that shouldn't be a problem. You'll typically arrange for your landline phone number to be ported during the sign-up process. There are sometimes restrictions - you may need to get an included modem for example.

If your new provider doesn't ask about a phone number service during the sign up process, you have done something wrong. It might be worth giving them a call at that point.

Keeping your email address when switching internet

If you've got an email with your old NBN provider that you'd like to keep, you'll need to transfer these before you close your account. Call your current provider for help transferring your emails and contacts to a new service like Google Gmail or Microsoft Outlook.

Do this before you switch providers. Any data you don't transfer may be lost when you close your account.

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

Frequently asked questions

• 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:

  • 1st Energy
  • Activ8me
  • AGL
  • Alphacall
  • Aussie Broadband
  • Belong Broadband
  • Cmobile
  • Dodo Broadband
  • E.Tel
  • Escapenet
  • Exetel
  • Elevate
  • Flip
  • Foxtel Broadband
  • Future Broadband
  • Goodtel Broadband
  • iiNet
  • IPSTAR
  • Kogan Broadband
  • Launtel
  • Leaptel
  • Mate Broadband
  • Moose Broadband
  • More
  • MyOwntel
  • Optus
  • Origin Broadband
  • Pennytel Broadband
  • Skymesh
  • Southern Phone
  • SpinTet
  • Sumo
  • Superloop
  • Swoop Broadband
  • Tangerine Broadband
  • Telsim
  • TPG Broadband
  • Vodafone 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 3 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 3 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.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Mariam Gabaji as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

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