Do Internet Companies Charge a Relocation Fee? | Move.org

Do Internet Companies Charge a Fee to Relocate My Service?

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By Rachel Oaks

Feb 20, 2024

Rachel has worked at CableTV.com writing articles that demystify hidden fees, DVRs, sound systems, and more. In addition to writing for CableTV.com, Rachel’s work has been featured on Roku.com, TechGuySmartBuy.com, HowtoWatch.com, and SatelliteInternet.com.

At a glance

When you’re settling into your new home, unexpected moving expenses are the last thing you want—especially for something as important as internet. But depending on your service provider, your internet relocation fees could include a transfer fee, an activation fee, an installation fee, or even an increase in your monthly equipment fee.

Avoid these unexpected relocation fees by getting answers to all these questions before you move:

Keep reading to learn how to find answers to each of these questions.

How do I avoid installation fees when I move?

You can avoid some installation fees by opting to self-install your internet service. Professional installation is the most common moving fee, so most internet providers won’t charge you anything if you self-install. Installing internet is easier than it sounds—learn the basics in our guide to setting up your internet in your new home.

Common internet relocation fees

Transfer fee
Activation fee
Installation fee
Equipment fee

Is my internet service available at my new address?

You can check if your current internet provider is available at your new address by entering your zip code in the tool below. If your current service provider isn’t among them, check out our list of internet service providers we recommend to find one that will work for your new home.

Heads up: Your internet speeds may change at your new home

Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer different plans for different locations. This could be great news if you’re moving from a small town to a big city—cities often have newer and faster internet networks than rural areas.

But if you’re leaving the city for a quieter country life, you might find that you have only a fraction of the download speeds you’re used to.

And new residential developments—in the country and city alike—may not have included internet infrastructure in the construction plan. Ask your contractors ahead of time to avoid an unpleasant surprise upon move-in day.

Compare internet companies

Data as of publish date.

Do I have to pay an early termination fee when I move away from my internet service?

Whether or not you have to pay an early termination fee when you move depends on your internet contract. If you’ve already fulfilled the contract terms of your service—or if you have a no-contract internet plan—you won’t have to pay an early termination fee. After you've got termination for your old internet service all figured out, use our guide to finding internet for your new home to pick a new provider.

How much are early termination fees?

Early termination fees vary by your ISP and internet plan. But usually, providers charge a lump sum fee based on how many months you have left in your contract. This fee often ranges from $10–$20 per remaining month on your contract. Call your internet provider to get an exact amount.

Should I take my old internet equipment with me?

If you’re renting equipment from your internet provider, give them a call to see if you should take it to your new address. Your provider may use different internet technology where you’re moving, and your old equipment may not be compatible with it.

And if your internet provider wants you to return the equipment, make sure to give it back on time. Otherwise, you might face expensive unreturned equipment charges that no one needs on top of moving company fees and such.