Switching Internet Providers Made Easy in 5 Simple Steps
Published May 26, 2026
Switching internet providers can seem like a tricky process, full of potholes and banana skins. The truth? You could be switched and internet surfing in a couple of hours.
While you might have some questions – like, “will my landline be brought over?”, “is my modem locked to my provider?” Here in this blog, we’ll help you answer these and more in the next 5 steps!
Step 1 – Find a new plan
Before making the switch, it can help to compare broadband plans from multiple providers to find an option that suits your speed needs and budget. Using a broadband comparison broker may also make it easier to review different NBN plans, pricing, and connection types in one place.
Knowing how your household uses the internet helps when picking a new plan. If your family games, streams, and does everything in between, a higher speed plan is wise. Live alone or with a partner? Maybe a lower speed is all you need.
Check if you can get an upgrade
While you’re changing plans, it’s worth reviewing what connection type you currently have, and to check if you’re eligible for an upgrade.
If you have a Fibre to the Node, or Fibre to the Curb connections, your address may be eligible for a $0 NBN upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). FTTP is more reliable than other connections and you’ll be able to access higher speeds a lot higher.
Step 2 – Chat to your current provider
Read your existing contract or ask your provider if you have a lock-in contract. If you have a while left on your contract, you can often pay to leave early, but this may include an extra fee. Chatting to your provider means you’ll know what financial impact leaving will have.
Some providers need 30 days’ notice before they cancel your service, but this is only for certain providers, so it’s important to ask!
You also want to consider things like whether your hardware is locked with your current provider, or whether your current plan includes things like VoIP or an email address. We’ll go into more detail below!
Step 3 – Check your hardware
Do you need anything new?
If you’re moving to a faster plan, there’s a chance you’ll need a new modem or router. Not all are created equal, so a faster connection needs tech that can handle those speeds.
If you are using your existing devices
Your old modem or router could be locked to the provider you bought it from. A locked device means that it might not work when you try to use it with other providers. This isn’t very common these days, but it’s important to ask your current provider if you’re not sure!
Step 4 – Swap over
Now you can order your new plan and close your old service. Some providers might tell you they can close your old service for you, but it’s always best to check yourself to make sure you don’t get hit with unexpected fees.
Step 5 – Wave goodbye to your old ISP
The final step to save you from an unexpected bill is to call your former ISP and say “I’m sorry – it’s not you, it’s me”. Or something less dramatic.
The secret to minimising downtime is waiting to cancel your old service until after your new one is online. If you cancel before your new service is turned on, you run the risk of longer downtime.
Doing this as soon as your new service is active means you’ll avoid being billed for your old service, because who likes being double-billed?
If you’re wanting to make the move to Aussie, take a peek at our NBN plans here, or call our Sales team.
Switching Internet Providers FAQ Guide
You’ll want to double-check your current plan details or log into your provider's app. While a lot of Aussie internet plans these days are month-to-month, some still carry a fixed term. If you're breaking a contract early, you might get stung with an early termination fee. Also, watch out for notice periods - some telcos require up to 30 days' notice before cutting the cord, so timing your switch is key to avoid paying double.
It depends on where you got it. If you brought your own device, you're usually right as rain. However, if your current provider supplied the modem, it might be configured specifically for their network or technically "locked." Before you make the jump, it’s worth checking if your current gear is BYO (Bring Your Own Device) friendly for the new network, or if you'll need to scoop up a new one.
If you’re using an email address provided directly by your current internet service provider, things can get a bit tricky. Once you cancel the service, they can switch off your inbox. While some providers will let you keep the email address active if you pay a small ongoing fee, it’s often a good opportunity to migrate over to a free, independent email service so you're never locked in again.
You absolutely can, and the process is called porting. Whether it’s your mobile number or an old-school landline over the NBN, you can take it with you. The golden rule here is: do not cancel your current service yet! Keep it active, tell your new provider you want to keep your existing number during the sign-up process, and they’ll do the heavy lifting to transfer it over for you. Once the number moves, your old service usually cancels automatically.
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