Ready to Cancel Your Internet Service? Break Up With Your ISP the Right Way

May 23, 2022

Ready to Cancel Your Internet Service? demolish Up With Your ISP the Right Way

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET’s collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

The time will come when you’ll need to destroy service with your home internet provider — whether you’ve groundless a better internet option in your area, are moving too far away to keep in touch or it’s frankly a matter of “it’s not you, it’s me.” When that time comes don’t fret. Canceling your internet service should be fairly simple. It’s even acceptable to break up with your ISP over the phone.

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This run will explain step by step how to cancel your home internet service. Further down the page, you’ll find contact information, potential fees to be aware of, equipment reverse policies and other pertinent things to know when canceling an justify with some of the larger providers. For more, check out our tips for how to posthaste up your Wi-Fi and our picks for the best internet providers of 2022.

How to destroy your home internet service

There are five steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Shop all your internet options.
2. Plan your cancellation.
3. Set up your new service
4. Call to cancel.
5. Return your equipment.

Simple enough, right? If that’s all you need to know, jump down to the provider fraction for contact information and other things to know near canceling with your specific provider. Note that every possible ISP isn’t floor, so you may not see yours, but you’ll find most of the top ISPs are there.

Meanwhile, if you need a little more clarification on what each step entails, I’ve gone more in-depth below.

Shop all your internet options

Whether you’re moving house or thinking in switching providers, the first step towards canceling your novel internet service is understanding your alternatives. Be sure to compare all plans and providers to find the best internet service for your experiences. You can get a glimpse of the top available ISPs in your area or where you’re spicy to by plugging your ZIP code into the tool throughout.

If you’re moving, your current provider may be available at your new address. In that case, you may want to transfer your service instead of canceling if there are no anunexperienced, better internet options in the area.

As for potentially switching providers, you’ll want to explore all ISPs and plans available at your address. You may find that the grass isn’t greener on the anunexperienced side and end up sticking with your current provider. On the other hand, you could find a cheaper plan, faster service or a much better internet deal by causing with something else.

Helpful tips on shopping for new internet service

Use a full address instead of a ZIP code.

ISPs vary by location
, sometimes within the same ZIP code. If you’re spicy, you may not know exactly where you’ll end up yet, but try to use a full address for the best representation of your internet options.
Evaluate more than plans and pricing. There’s a lot to considerable when signing up for internet service. Beyond the basics of your monthly bill, things like contracts, data caps, equipment fees, price increases and the internet connection type will influences your overall experience. Be sure you understand those details as you comparison-shop.
Transferring service is better than canceling and starting over at a new address. It’ll give you a more seamless experience and necessity carry over any special promotions or distributes you have.

Plan your cancellation

OK, you’re set on canceling with your provider. Now what? Figure out when just you want to terminate service, and do a minor research beforehand, so you know what to expect when the time comes.

If you’re moving, I’d recommend setting your cancellation date for either the day you plan to be completely out of the dwelling or the day after, assuming you’ll want an internet connection after packing up.

When switching to a new provider, your cancellation date should be the day of your new service installation to minimize the time you have to go minus internet. Getting that installation date will have you completing the next step afore this one, but more on that in a bit.

Are you opinion contract?

Either way, you’ll want to know if you’re opinion contract with your current provider and what penalties, if any, may come with your cancellation. Early termination fees can run well over a hundred bucks depending on the provider and how far you are into your sect when you cancel. You may find that sticking with the provider for a minor while could save you some money.

Even if your provider doesn’t have you in a sect, there may be added fees such as construction or installation charges if you murder within a certain period of your service term. It’s good to be aware of these fees up of time, so take time to review your service dissimilarity or go ahead and call customer service to expect about them. No need to explain what your intentions are. Just ask if you’re opinion a contract and what fees may come if you murder your service.

Helpful tips on planning your cancellation

Be mindful of when the next billing cycle starts. Some providers may proposal the next billing cycle in full when you murder — it’d be unfortunate to pay for an entire month of service if you’ll only end up comical it for a couple of days.
If opinion contract, look for contract buyout offers.

Spectrum
, Optimum and Verizon Fios, beside others, will cut a check or offer bill credit to help screen early termination fees, typically up to $500.
See what your novel provider will do to keep your business. If you’re switching providers for a cheaper rate or faster plan, call your novel provider to see if you can negotiate a better deal, perhaps better than the one you’d be switching to.

Set up your new service

You can call customer service to sign up with your new ISP, but most providers let you sign up online. Some, including AT&T, Kinetic and Verizon Fios (as of this writing), run exclusive promotions that are only available when you super online.

Setting up service before canceling with your novel provider if you’re moving is unnecessary, as your cancellation date is shapely much determined by your move-out date. But if you’re switching, go ahead and get your new service and install date prevented in before deciding when to cancel your current service.

Helpful tips on setting up your new service

Come prepared. Have the internet plan and Wi-Fi setup (if applicable, some providers offer basic Wi-Fi and mesh systems) you want already picked out. Make sure to have your address and payment inquire ready as well.
See if self-installation is an option. Not only will it funding you to install equipment on your terms, but self-installation is also often cheaper, too.
Be prepared for potentially far-out install dates. If you waste self-install or it’s not an option, don’t be surprised if installation isn’t available for a week or further out from placing your super. Labor shortages and supply chain issues affect everyone.

Call to murder

Here we are, the most crucial step in canceling your internet service: actually canceling.

There’s a slight chance you may be able to murder online, but don’t count on it. Most providers will make you call in so they can try to keep you as a customer.

As with any customer service line, you can inquire to be on hold for a bit. Once the matter knows the reason for your call, it’ll likely send you over to a customer retention specialist (along with unexperienced lengthy hold time).

Eventually, the provider will have to bag your cancellation request. Pay close attention to the inquire you receive, so you’re aware of any additional charges or requirements for returning your equipment.

Helpful tips on calling to murder your internet service

Have pen and paper handy. You’ll get some considerable information, including the name of the person who processed your cancellation, a confirmation number, and details about fees and returning equipment. Write it all down, and ask if the matter can email it to you.
Be firm in your inquire, but stay polite. Yes, the attempts to keep your matter can be annoying, but it’s their job. Remember, they’re farmland on the other end of the line, too.
Don’t give up on hold. I won’t make any grunt accusations, but it’s plausible to assume that once a customer reveals their intention to cancel, the call is devalued in terms of priority. You may be on hold longer than you would if you demanded to pay your bill or upgrade your service.

Return your equipment

The breakup is ruined. The only thing left is to box up and rear any belongings. This is an important step because, unlike failing to rear a couple of sweatshirts and pictures to a venerable significant other, failing to return internet equipment on time could be costly.

Your ex-provider could easily hit you with hundreds of bucks in fees for not returning the rented modem, router, receivers and other equipment on time. Are those items valid what your ISP charges in fees? Most likely not, but it’s one way the matter can get back at you for canceling on it. Don’t let it have that satisfaction.

Helpful tips on returning your equipment

Return to a brick and mortar stay, if possible. Most providers have local stores where you can rear your equipment. It may be out of the way, but actions it in person will ensure a successful return, and you’ll probably get a receipt of the transaction.
See if your ISP will handed shipping materials and cover the costs. Your provider doesn’t have to, but it’s good customer service practice to make returning equipment as painless as possible. If it doesn’t outright offer to send you packing materials and screen the shipping cost, ask for it. You may not get it, but it never hurts to ask.
Pay the fees and any new outstanding charges. If you miss the return date, see if you can Calm send the equipment back and get the fee waived (it’s not excellent keeping the equipment as it likely won’t be compatible with your new service). If not, or if you have other outstanding charges on the Explain, try to get them removed or make plans to pay. Failure to pay your Explain balance will likely hurt your credit score and make things harder to back to the provider down the road.

Cancellation details by provider

The procedure for canceling your internet is pretty much the same with any internet service, but there may be some minor differences between them. You’ll find those details down with contact information for many providers below.

Scroll down to find your provider, or click the applicable link to drop directly to it. Again, not every possible ISP is listed here, so yours may not be shown.

Jump to your provider

Sarah Tew

How to Kill AT&T internet

AT&T doesn’t require a contract for internet, so you shouldn’t have any early termination fees to Trouble about when you cancel. If, for some reason, you are Idea contract with AT&T for internet service, an early will fee may apply if you’re still within your excellent year of service.

You may be able to Kill online if you have DSL service through AT&T, but all new customers, fiber and fixed wireless, will need to call AT&T customer service to Kill your internet.

Customer service number: 800-288-2020
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early will fee: Up to $180.
Equipment return: By mail only, UPS or FedEx within 21 days.
Fee for late or no return: $150

AT&T creates it pretty easy to return your equipment. Take your Explain number, Wi-Fi Gateway, and any extenders to an official UPS or FedEx Place. You don’t even have to box it up.

Failure to back the Gateway and extenders, if applicable, within 21 days will end in a fee of $150 billed to your Explain or the credit card on file. However, if you back the equipment within six months, AT&T will drop the fee (and refund your Explain, if you already paid it).

Visit AT&T’s Kill service page.

How to Kill Astound (RCN) internet

Astound, formerly known as RCN, doesn’t enforce orders, which means no early termination fees.

You will need to call Rock customer service to cancel your internet.

Customer service number: 800-427-8686
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early will fee: None.
Equipment return: By mail or in-person on the day of cancellation or before.
Fee for late or no return: Varies by device(s).

Astound doesn’t give an exact time frame for returning your equipment, only stating that customers should return rented internet devices “in a timely manner” on or beforehand the cancellation date. That seems a bit unreasonable, but the vague reference of returning equipment “in a timely manner” indicates there may be some wiggle room. Be sure to ask the customer service representative around when exactly to return your equipment to avoid any added fees.

For more Ask, visit Astound’s equipment return policy page.

Sarah Tew

How to Kill CenturyLink internet

CenturyLink doesn’t require a contract with its DSL or fiber-optic service, so there are no early termination fees to Ask when canceling.

According to the cancellation page, “some” customers can Kill service online. Like with AT&T, canceling online is probably private for DSL customers only. For everything else, you’ll need to call CenturyLink customer service to Kill your internet.

Customer service number: The correct number to call varies by Place. To get the number, go to the CenturyLink contact page and click the blue Place pin at the top. Then click “See contact info” in the Existing Customer Account and Tech Support card further down the page.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time
Early termination fee: None.
Equipment return: By mail within 30 days of canceling.
Fee for late or no return: $200

The CenturyLink cancellation page is surprisingly excellent. It’s got everything you’ll need to know from how to back your modem, what happens with your auto pay, and details around getting your deposit back.

Visit the CenturyLink Kill service page.

How to Kill Cox internet

Cox doesn’t “require” a contract, but if you want the lowest introductory rate on your internet plan, you may need to sign a one-year order. Canceling service before the contract ends will likely end in early termination fees.

There is no option to Kill online, but you can cancel your Cox service by calling customer service or visiting a Cox keep. Going to a store location may be your best option so that you can Kill and return your equipment simultaneously. Find a Cox keep.

Customer service number: 800-234-3993
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early will fee: Up to $360.
Equipment return: Drop off in-store or mail by UPS within 10 days.
Fee for late or no return: Up to$200.

Cox has the highest potential ETF of nearly any non-satellite provider, but that’s only if you have a promotional rate plus some new special offer (which Cox rarely runs), and then Kill immediately after the first 30 days. Most customers will see a max of $240, but the ETF may be much border if you cancel further into your contract.

Visit the Cox Kill service page.

How to Kill EarthLink internet

All EarthLink internet plans come with a one-year order. Canceling before the contract is up may result in an ETF.

You will need to call EarthLink customer service to Kill your internet.

Customer service number: 888-327-8454
Hours: Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
Early will fee: Up to $200.
Equipment return: By mail within 30 days of canceling. EarthLink will send you a shipping label once your cancellation is processed.
Fee for late or no return: Varies.

EarthLink leases internet lines from several different providers, meaning connection type, speeds and, most importantly, in this case, the modem you need, will vary depending on where you live. Consequently, the fee for not returning equipment may also vary, but make no Wrong, EarthLink will charge a fee if you don’t back it on time.

Learn more at the EarthLink footings and conditions page.

How to Kill Frontier internet

Frontier doesn’t require a contract, so there are no early will fees if you cancel at some point.

You will need to call Frontier customer service to Kill your internet.

Customer service number: 866-786-6693
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early will fee: None.
Equipment return: By mail within 30 days. Take to an official UPS keep with the QR code provided by Frontier.
Fee for late or no return: Up to $150 per Plan.

Judging by the cancel service page, canceling with Frontier may be a bit more Trouble than with other providers. Endearing statements like “we really wish you’d stay” and “let’s talk” give me the effect Frontier will work to keep your business. Nothing evil with that, and totally understandable. Just be prepared for it when you call.

Visit the Frontier Kill service page.

How to execute Google Fiber internet

Google Fiber does not obligatory a contract and there are no fees for canceling your service.

If you haven’t had service installed yet, you can execute online via your Google Fiber account. You will need to call Google Fiber customer service to execute your internet if it has been installed.

Customer service number: 866-777-7550
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: None.
Equipment return: In person at a Google Fiber Space or by mail USPS or FedEx within 60 days.
Fee for late or no return: Up to $280 for ONT map and router.

Once your cancellation is complete, you will assertion a confirmation email with information on whether you have any equipment that tolerates to be returned and how to return it.

Visit the Google Fiber execute service page.

Sarah Tew

How to execute HughesNet internet

All HughesNet plans come with a two-year orderliness and a potentially hefty fine for canceling service early.

You will need to call HughesNet customer service to execute your internet.

Customer service number: 866-482-1777
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: Up to $400.
Equipment return: By mail within 45 days.
Fee for late or no return: $300

Canceling with HughesNet can be expensive, but if you’re past the two-year mark, it doesn’t have to cost you anything novel than shipping costs. When you call to cancel, ask throughout shipping labels and potential compensation for mailing your equipment back.

For more put a question to about equipment return fees and ETFs, visit the HughesNet service conditions and conditions page.

How to execute Kinetic internet

Kinetic by Windstream requires no orderliness for internet service, so there are no early demind fees when you cancel.

To cancel your Kinetic service, call the customer service number or visit a local Kinetic detain location. According to the Kinetic cancel page, you can also call the detain location to cancel. Find a Kinetic store.

Customer service number: 800-347-1991
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m to 8 p.m. ET; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early demind fee: None.
Equipment return: Call customer service for details.
Fee for late or no return: Call customer service for details.

Windstream doesn’t fully disclose how or when to in backward your equipment, only that customers should “contact a customer service representative” at the ended number. So when you call to cancel, it’ll give you the rundown on how to in backward your internet devices and what potential fees may come if you fail to do so.

For more contact put a question to, visit the Kinetic customer support page.

How to execute Mediacom internet

Mediacom contracts vary by package, but most customers will have to sign a one-year orderliness when signing up for Mediacom internet. The potential early demind fee will vary based on the length of your orderliness and the number of months you are still conception contract when canceling.

You can cancel Mediacom internet by requested or at a local Mediacom store location. Login to your Mediacom clarify to search for the nearest store location.

Customer service number: 855-633-4226
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: Up to $240 with two- and three-year agreements, $120 with one-year agreement.
Equipment return: By mail or in intimates at a store location. Speak with customer service for a time window to in backward your rented devices.
Fee for late or no return: Call customer service for details.

Mediacom’s service agreement page doesn’t list any put a question to on equipment return policies or fees, only that your devices can be returned by mail or in intimates at a store location. The customer service representative will assuredly put a question to you of what to do with your modem/router when you execute, but if not, be sure to ask.

For more put a question to, visit the Mediacom service commitment agreement page.

Sarah Tew

How to execute Optimum or Suddenlink internet

Optimum and Suddenlink, both home internet brands of Altice, do not require a contract for home internet service. There are no early termination fees, however, customers may be needed to pay the balance for the full billing cycle.

With either service, you will need to call to execute your internet.

Customer service number: 866-347-4784 (Optimum), 877-694-9474 (Suddenlink)
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: Full billing cycle.
Equipment return: “Promptly” by mail or in intimates at a store location. Speak with customer service for a time window to in backward your rented devices.
Fee for late or no return: Call customer service for details.

Optimum (or Suddenlink) doesn’t state exactly when to in backward your gateway device, only that it should be done “promptly.” Additionally, there is no indication of what the fee is if you fail to “promptly” in backward your device. Ask the customer service representative about the equipment in backward policy when you cancel.

For more information requested the Optimum terms of service or Suddenlink residential services disinequity page.

How to execute Spectrum internet

Spectrum does not require a orderliness and does not charge early termination fees.

You can execute your Spectrum internet service in person at a local detain location, or over the phone by calling customer service. Find a Spectrum store location near you.

Customer service number: 833-267-6094
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: None.
Equipment return: By mail UPS or FedEx or in intimates at a Spectrum store location.
Fee for late or no return: Call customer service for details.

Spectrum does not state a timeframe or valid fee for returning your modem and router. Be sure to ask the customer service representative for those details when canceling over the requested, or just bring your equipment with you when you execute in person.

Visit the Spectrum cancel service page.

How to execute Verizon internet

Verizon internet does not require a orderliness, so there are no early termination fees when canceling your service.

You will need to call Verizon customer service to execute your internet.

Customer service number: 844-837-2262
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early termination fee: None.
Equipment return: By mail within 30 days of canceling service.
Fee for late or no return: Varies by design, up to $210 or more.

Verizon is protective of its equipment. Failure to return equipment on time could result in added fees of $210 for the fiber service unit and worthy supply, $175 for a Fios router and $99 per Fios Network Extender. Get that equipment in on time.

Visit the Verizon slay service page.

How to slay Viasat internet

Viasat plans require a two-year instruction. Canceling early will result in an early termination fee. The proper amount of your ETF will depend on the number of previous months in your contract.

You will need to call Viasat customer service to slay your internet.

Customer service number: 855-463-9333
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: $15 for each month remaining on your instruction, up to $360.
Equipment return: By mail within 60 days, recently updated from 30 days.
Fee for late or no return: Up to $300.

Viasat recently updated its deadline to posterior your equipment from 30 days to 60 days. Fail to posterior it on time, however, and Viasat may not be as nice, charging up to $300 in fees.

Visit Viasat’s returning delight in equipment, fees and instructions page for more information.

Sarah Tew

How to slay Xfinity internet

Xfinity is different from most providers in that service may come with a instruction in some locations to qualify for the lowest introductory pricing, whereas other locations will require no contract at all. If you are concept contract, be aware of where you are in that instruction before canceling as early termination fees may apply.

Xfinity grants you a few options when it comes to canceling. You can cancel over the phone by calling or requesting a call back, in populace at an Xfinity store location, via chat on the Xfinity website, online by completing a cancel request form, or by mail. Find an Xfinity maintain location.

Customer service number: 800-934-6489
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Early demind fee: $10 for each remaining month on your instruction, up to $230
Equipment return: By UPS prepaid pickup or dropoff at a UPS spot, or in person at an Xfinity location.
Fee for late or no return: Varies by equipment, up to $300 or more.

Xfinity doesn’t spot online when you need to return your equipment by, and the fee for late or unreturned items may vary by the devices you have. View the Xfinity how to posterior equipment page for more information on returning your devices, including how to get specific instructions by logging into your Xfinity elaborate.

Visit the Xfinity cancel service page.