How to Transfer Internet When Moving to a New House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving comes with its fair share of hassles and headaches. Alongside making sure you don't forget to pack anything, you also need to ensure that your Internet and phone services are ready to go at your new home, wherever that might be.

If you like your current Internet service, you might not want to switch to a completely different company unless you have to. In this guide, we’ll show you how to transfer your Internet service to your new house, complete with all the same perks and speeds you’re used to.

Is moving Internet even possible?

Absolutely. So long as your current Internet service provider (ISP) offers service in the area where your new home is located, they shouldn't have any problem transferring your service from one address to the other.

For example, if you live in Town A and receive service from your current ISP, and that ISP also provides Internet coverage to people in Town B, transferring your Internet is a simple matter of informing your ISP and carrying out a few extra steps.

Of course, if your ISP doesn't deliver Internet to people in your new area, you'll need to change your current Internet service provider instead and find a new service provider ASAP.

Step One – Inform your ISP and ask if your service can come with you

Your first step to transferring your Internet when moving to a new house is to inform your Internet service provider. When you do this, they'll be able to tell you if they can continue providing you with Internet connectivity at your new address.

Step Two (A) – Ask what’s involved with an Internet transfer

If your ISP can keep providing you with the same service, ask them what steps you need to take to ensure a successful Internet service transfer. In most cases, this just involves filling out a few forms and telling your ISP both your new address and the date on which you will be fully moved in. At that point, your ISP can schedule an equipment installation and Internet connection setup appointment.

Step Two (B) – Investigate new Internet offers and discounts

But what if your Internet service provider doesn't offer service at your new home? In that case, you'll need to investigate new ISPs –  knowing how to choose an internet provider can make this process easier. We recommend looking for great offers in your new area so you can save money and enjoy fast Internet service with no downsides.

Check your current ISP’s requirements for canceling your service, too. They might charge termination fees if you’re ending your contract earlier than expected, or they might have instructions for what you should do with your Internet equipment.

Step Three – Move and possibly contact the local ISP

Once you know whether you're keeping Internet service from the same provider or looking for a new provider, it's time to move! New ISPs need to be informed that you want service as quickly as you can; that way, they can set up an appointment for the same day you move into your new home or a few days after, minimizing how many days you have to go without Internet connectivity.

Step Four – Install your Internet router and activate your service

When you’re in your new home, it's time to install your Internet router and finalize your service activation. Whether or not you're working with a new ISP or the same ISP, the setup appointment should come with a router and a technician who can install it for you, as well as explain any other steps you need to take to connect your home to the Internet.

Most Internet install appointments only take a couple of hours at most. After that, you'll be able to connect your devices to a WiFi router that’s set up in a centralized location somewhere in your new house.

Can you take your Internet router to another house?

It depends. Some ISPs allow you to take your current Internet router with you to your new home if they will continue providing you with service. Many companies, however, will simply ask you to return your current router and provide you with a new router when you move into another house.

What if you own your WiFi router? For many homeowners, this is an unlikely situation; most people rent WiFi routers provided to them via their ISPs. But other homeowners may purchase WiFi routers so they can have full control over their Internet technology or so they can upgrade their Internet connectivity for activities like gaming and streaming.

If you own a WiFi router and are transferring your Internet service, be sure to ask your ISP if your router is compatible with their offerings. Doing this is important because it tells the technician what to expect and can prevent miscommunications or other issues during your setup appointment.

Step Five – Run an Internet speed test

After your Internet setup appointment, it's a good idea to run an Internet speed test. Before your technician leaves, make sure your WiFi network is running smoothly and that devices within your home receive the expected speeds by understanding your internet speed test results. The test is extremely vital; if there's an issue with your Internet connectivity, the technician can investigate it right away without you having to set up a separate appointment later on.

Getting the right Internet service for your new home

We know just how critical the Internet is to everyday life. That's why we make it easy to move your Shentel home Internet service with your family – just get in touch with our customer service team to see what’s involved and schedule a new equipment installation appointment at a time and date that's convenient for you.

But there's also opportunity when you move. If your current Internet service isn't up to snuff or fast enough for your family's needs, Shentel might be able to help. Instead of taking your old Internet with you, you can swap to Shenel’s standard Internet plans with the most up-to-date equipment and get lightning-fast speeds, stellar service, and more – all with no annual contracts. Get in touch with us today to learn more!