Moving to a new home is usually a busy time. Setting up your Internet connection is one of the first tasks you deal with when moving homes. If you’re using the NBN or another Internet provider you may have to pay various fees for exiting your current plan, setting up at your new address or both. Understanding these costs can help you plan your move and avoid surprise bills.
This guide explains the exit and setup fees you might incur when moving homes, what influences these costs and how to manage your Internet services easily during the move.
Exit Fees When Moving
Exit fees are charges that some Internet providers apply when you cancel or change your plan. These fees can vary depending on your contract type, provider and the terms of your agreement.
Early Termination Fees
If you are not on a fixed-term contract and cancel your service before the contract ends you may be charged an early termination fee (ETF).
- How It Works
- Most providers calculate the ETF based on the remaining months of your contract, for example if you have six months left on a $60 per month plan, the exit fee could be $360.
- Common Providers
- How to Avoid It
- If you know you’ll be moving soon, consider signing up for a no-lock-in contract to avoid having to pay this fee.
- Hardware Fees
- If your provider gave you a modem or router as part of the plan they might charge you for the device if you cancel the plan early.
- Upfront vs. Contract-Based Costs
- Some providers offer free modems, but this is often conditional on completing the contract term. If you cancel early, you might have to pay the remaining cost of the device.
Relocation Fees
Instead of cancelling your service, some providers let you move it to your new address and home. However, they may charge you a relocation fee to cover the cost of transferring it.
- Typical Costs
- Relocation fees usually range from $30 to $100 depending on the provider and the location.
- When It Applies
- This fee is common for NBN services as moving may require coordination with NBN Co to activate the connection at your new home.
Setup Fees When Moving
Setting up Internet at a new address can also lead to costs even if you’re transferring your current service or plan. These fees can depend on the type of connection, the provider and the infrastructure at your new home.
Standard Setup Fees
Many providers charge a setup fee for new connection, even for standard installations.
- NBN Setup Fees
- Standard NBN setup fees range from $50 to $100 for most providers. Some providers waive this fee as part of a promotion. It is better to shop around and checking the deals.
- Non-NBN Providers
- Wireless and mobile broadband providers may charge lower setup fees, as they typically require less infrastructure to work.
New Development Fee
If you are moving to a newly built home that hasn’t been connected to the NBN before, you may have to pay a new development fee.
- How Much Is It?
- The NBN Co charges a $300 fee for new developments which is often given to you by your Internet provider.
- Who Pays It?
- The fee applies to new homes, apartments or areas where NBN infrastructure is not yet established.
Professional Installation Fees
Some homes require a professional technician to install equipment especially for fixed-line connections like Fibre to Premises (FTTP) or Fibe to the Node (FTTN).
- What Does It Entail?
- A technician may need to install a wall-mounted NBN device, check your wiring or set up your modem.
- Costs
- Professional installation fees range from $100 to $300 depending on the work needed.
Modem or Router Costs
If your provider doesn’t give you a modem as part of the plan, you will have to buy one yourself.
- Provider Modem
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- Some Providers charge a one-time fee for the modem which can range from $50 to $200.
- Bring Your Own Modem/Device (BYOM/BYOD)
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- If you already have a compatible modem, you can avoid this fee by using your own device.
Connection Types and Fees
Different types of Internet connections can also affect the fees you pay when moving.
- NBN Connections
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- NBN services come in various connection types including FTTP, FTTN, and Fixed Wireless. Each type has its own setup and relocation fees.
- Standard Connections
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- For most NBN connection types, standard setup fees apply.
- Non-Standard Connections
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- If your home requires extra work, such as new cabling you may face higher fees.
- Mobile Broadband
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- Mobile broadband is cheaper to set up as it doesn’t rely on fixed infrastructure.
- Setup Costs
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- Many mobile broadband providers offer free setup but you may need to buy a portable modem or hotspot device.
- Satellite Internet
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- Satellite Internet is common in rural areas but is often more expensive.
- Professional Installation: A technician may need to install a satellite which can cost $300 or more.
How To Pay Lower Moving Fees
While some fees are unavoidable, there are ways you can reduce your Internet-related costs when moving.
- Compare Providers
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- Not all providers charge the same fees. Before moving, compare setup and relocation costs from different Internet providers to find the most affordable option.
- Ask About Promotions
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- Many providers waive setup fees or free modems as part of promotional deals. Check for current offers when signing up for a new plan.
- Use Existing Equipment
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- If you already own a modem or router make sure it’s compatible with your new service to avoid buying a new one.
- Plan Ahead
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- Giving your provider plenty of notice about your move can help you avoid same-day or urgent connection fees.
Conclusion
Moving your Internet involves both exit and setup costs which can depend on the provider, plan and connection type. Understanding these fees ahead of time can help you cut costs and budget for your move all while avoiding surprise fees.
Whether you’re paying a relocation fee, a new development charge or professional installation costs there are steps you can take to cut or reduce these costs. Comparing providers, using existing equipment and planning ahead can all help reduce the financial impact of moving your Internet service. By being informed you can make your move easy and quick while staying connected to the Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Fees
Q. Will I Be Charged Twice If I Transfer My Service?
A. No, most providers will stop billing for your old home once the service is transferred to your new home. However, you may have overlapping charges if your new service starts before the old one ends.
Q. Can I Keep My Existing Plan?
A. Yes, in most cases you can transfer your existing plan to your new home as long as the same connection type is available there.
Q. What Happens If My New Home Isn’t Ready for NBN?
A. If NBN isn’t available at your new home, your provider may offer an alternative plan such as mobile broadband until NBN is available.
