Internet for your new home – how to transfer your subscription
Transferring your internet connection to your new home is worth arranging in good time as part of the move. A good rule of thumb is to transfer the subscription about two weeks before the move, so the internet works right after moving day. Before the transfer, find out what kind of subscription is available in the new home and what speed you need. This way you avoid outages and extra costs.
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When should you transfer your internet subscription?
Transfer the subscription to the new address about two weeks before the move. Delivery times can vary by area, so early notice ensures the connection is ready when you move in.
Contact your current operator and transfer the subscription to the new address, or find out whether you need a new subscription.
Find out what kind of subscription is available in the new home
Before transferring, it's worth finding out what kind of internet connection is possible in the new home.
The new home may already have a working subscription that you can take into use.
If the subscription type is different from your previous home, you may need a new broadband modem to ensure compatibility.
In an apartment building, check whether the housing company offers building broadband — it can be a fast and affordable option. At the same time, find out the subscription's price and speed options.
For a wired connection you need an Ethernet cable, which plugs into the home's network socket. The cable is not part of a rental home's equipment; you can get it from electronics shops or well-stocked grocery stores. You can also share internet using a SIM card or a mobile broadband dongle, but these are rarer nowadays.
Choose the right internet speed
Think about what you use the connection for, because different uses require different speeds. For example, gaming, video streaming and remote work need a faster connection than basic use.
Also consider smart-home devices: lights, thermostats, security cameras and appliances can be connected to the same WiFi network, which increases the load on the connection. Once you've chosen a subscription, check the contract terms — for a fixed-term contract, confirm the length of the commitment and the termination terms, because early cancellation can bring extra costs.
Router and modem
If the home has no wired network connection, you need a wireless connection, in which devices connect to a base station. The base station is usually a router and modem, and nowadays the router is often built into the modem. You can get the router and modem from electronics shops or from the operator providing the internet subscription.
Check your security too
A move is a good moment to make sure your devices are secure. A firewall monitors traffic between the device and the internet and blocks harmful connections, and antivirus software finds and removes malware. Install and update both on all internet-connected devices — computers, phones, tablets and smart TVs — so your personal data stays safe.
Frequently asked questions about transferring your internet connection
When should the internet subscription be transferred in a move?
Transfer the subscription about two weeks before the move. This way the connection has time to be working in the new home right after moving day, because delivery times can vary by area.
Is building broadband worth it in the new home?
In an apartment building, building broadband can be a fast and affordable option. Check with the housing company whether the subscription is available, along with its price and speed options, before getting your own subscription.
Do I need a new modem for the new home?
If the new home's subscription type is different from your previous one, you may need a new broadband modem to ensure compatibility. Find out the subscription type before the move.
How fast an internet connection do you need for a new home?
The speed you need depends on use: gaming, streaming and remote work require a faster connection than basic use. Also take into account smart-home devices, which load the network.