Easy-to-Switch Internet Providers

Switching Internet providers isn’t anyone’s hobby. With cancellation fees, equipment returns, and early termination fees (ETFs), your wallet can take a serious beating. Changing Internet providers has become frustrating for so many customers that some providers offer incentives for users who switch to their services. Below are some of the Internet providers that make it easy to switch.

The Cost of Switching Providers

A few common costs frustrate users who have to switch Internet providers. ETFs are what a customer pays when they break their service contract before the end date. “When does my contract end?” is one of the least-asked questions, especially for people who are moving or whose financial situation has changed and they need to adjust their Internet service budget. As a result, the fees tend to sneak up on people. Some providers have started to combat the issue by offering service on a month-to-month basis, with no service contract needed.

Many users also rent a modem and router from their Internet service provider, and providers tend to want their equipment back after you terminate your service. It’s up to you, the customer, to return it to them. If you don’t return the equipment in a timely fashion, they may charge you a late or non-return equipment fee.

As you’re weighing your options and outlining the costs of switching to a new provider, take a look at the Internet providers below if you want a headache-free process.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

No one likes to pay extra for a service they don’t want or use, and ETFs force you to do just that. To alleviate that sting, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers new users up to a $500 reimbursement for termination fees. T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service offers download speeds between 33 and 245 Mbps, and customers don’t need to sign a service contract. If you switch away from T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, you won’t encounter any ETFs. T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet plans start at $50 per month.

Spectrum

Spectrum® is a cable Internet provider that makes switching as painless as possible. Like T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, Spectrum offers new customers up to $500 to pay ETFs from their previous Internet contract. New Spectrum customers also don’t need to sign a contract when they sign up for Internet service, so you can avoid the dreaded ETFs if you ever need to switch providers again.

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios offers new customers up to $500 in bill credit to help cover their old provider’s ETFs. Verizon Fios plans offer ultra-fast fiber-optic Internet featuring download speeds up to 2 Gbps. Be careful if you’re switching from Verizon Fios, though, since the company may charge a $350 ETF if you cancel your contract. Also expect an equipment fee tacked on to your bill if you don’t use your own modem and router.

Optimum by Altice

Can’t decide between cable and fiber Internet? Optimum by Altice offers gigabit-speed Internet via cable or fiber. Download speeds reach as high as 8 Gbps for fiber and 940 Mbps for cable. You won’t have to worry about your old provider’s ETFs when you switch to Optimum by Altice either. Optimum doesn’t explicitly offer reimbursement for ETFs, but new customers receive a Visa prepaid card valued at up to $200 and a two-year price guarantee with no required annual contract when they sign up. No annual contract means no ETFs if you ever switch providers.

Xfinity

Xfinity is a well-rounded service provider that offers cable internet with download speeds up to 1 Gbps, fiber Internet with download speeds reaching 10 Gbps, home phone, and cable TV service. Xfinity promotions don’t include reimbursement for ETFs, but Xfinity customers can at least relax knowing they won’t be saddled with fees when they switch since Xfinity doesn’t require a service contract.

AT&T Fiber

AT&T Fiber has become synonymous with lightning-fast fiber speeds. It offers download speeds as high as 5 Gbps, which is incentive enough to switch providers if AT&T Fiber is available. AT&T Fiber doesn’t offer reimbursement for new customers’ ETFs, but certain fiber plans come with Visa reward cards of $150 or $200. If internet-protocol broadband or fixed wireless connections better fit your needs, AT&T Internet has plans with no required contracts.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber service is the most exclusive on this list, but it still comes with several perks that make it attractive to customers looking to switch. Google Fiber comes free of contracts (and therefore ETFs), data caps, and equipment and installation fees. If this exclusive service is available in your area, it’s worth considering if you need to switch Internet providers. Plus, the company’s speeds are hard to beat, with download speeds reaching 8 Gbps.