Once you pick an internet provider you tend to stick with them. But there are dozens of reasons why you might want to switch; perhaps you’ve found a cheaper plan or one with higher-value inclusions. Or maybe you’ve had a disagreement with a provider and want to take your business to a competitor.
Either way, changing internet providers might seem like a difficult process but it's actually quite simple. Here's what you need to know about how long it takes to switch, the costs involved, and any equipment you might need.
How to switch NBN providers

Equipment Needed
Nearly all NBN plans come with a new NBN-ready modem, or the option to add one on. Many NBN providers give you the option to bring your own modem if you already have one, which means you won't need to pay any fees for new hardware.
In some cases, providers may not have a BYO modem option and force you to take their hardware - Telstra, for example.
Getting a new modem from your NBN provider tends to come with some strings attached. If you're not paying it for it outright, you may need to pay out the remaining value of the modem if you've not been with the telco for long enough (typically two or three years) or return the modem to avoid paying a hardware fee.
Step 1: DON'T cancel your existing plan
Some people think you need to cancel your current NBN plan before changing providers, but this isn't true. This will just leave you without internet for longer than necessary. Keep your current setup until you have locked down your new plan, provider and equipment and you are ready to make the switch.
Step 2: Make sure you are out of contract or if there's a better time to leave.
Check your current plan to see if there's any time left on your contract. If you’re in the middle of a long-term contract you could be hit with early cancellation fees. You might be almost finished too so it could be waiting a little longer to avoid additional fees.
Most NBN plans are contract-free now, but you may need to pay out a modem fee on some providers. If you've gotten a new modem at no upfront cost, leaving early can mean paying a prorated hardware fee for your modem. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the main providers where you might encounter this clause. In some cases you can return your modem to avoid paying a hardware fee.
Step 3: Research and choose your new NBN plan and provider
Identifying why you're switching is a great start to narrowing down a new provider. Faster speeds, better customer service, bundling options, better extras... There are plenty of reasons people switch so work out yours and start reading reviews, asking friends locally who they are with and if they're satisfied.
Trying to work out which plan is best for you? Check out some of the cheapest NBN plans in our database, sorted by speed tier, below.
If you just need a basic connection, it could be worth considering an NBN 25 plan. You can expect download speeds of up to 25Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5Mbps. Most online activities can still be done on an NBN 25 plan, but it will start to buckle if you have too many people using your connection.
NBN 50 plans are your best bang for your buck option when it comes to the NBN. They are affordable and are a good option for households with between two and four people. An NBN 50 plan will ensure everyone in your household is able to partake in their favourite online activities, whether it's streaming movies and music, online gaming or video calling with overseas friends and family.
NBN 100 plans are the next logical step if you don't think NBN 50 will cut it for you. You get twice the download speed, meaning your connection will go as fast as 100Mbps. Most NBN 100 plans have upload speeds of 20Mbps, which is the same as what you get on NBN 50. We'd say NBN 100 plans are best for large households or anyone who regularly downloads large files, such as new release video games.
NBN 250 plans are another step up. These plans are a little more expensive than what you'd pay for an NBN 100 plan but are perfect if you've got the need for speed.
NBN 250 plans are only available to those who have a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial(HFC) NBN connection.
Step 4: Backup any data
If any data is dependent on staying with your original provider, make copies now. The main consideration would be an
email address tied to your provider.
Step 5: Get any new equipment set up
Chances are you won't need a new modem, router, or modem router but it's worth finding out if yours is compatible. If your plan comes with one, it's a great idea to use it to avoid any complications down the road.
Step 6: Get ready for the switchover (it's quick)
Your new ISP will take care of switching your internet (and home phone plan, if you’re into that sort of thing) over to your new plan. In most cases, your NBN switch is pretty painless – you can expect no more than an hour of downtime while the change is made.
Step 7: Cancel your old service
This one is important so don’t forget! In some instances, your new provider will contact your old one to let them know you've switched, but as a general rule, you are responsible for cancelling your old service once your new one is live.
Switching from ADSL or NBN to wireless internet
Equipment Needed
When switching to home wireless internet, you'll need new equipment, such as a 4G or 5G modem, but your new provider will supply this.
Step 1: DON'T cancel your existing plan
Some people think you need to cancel your current plans first before signing up for a new one but that's not true. This will just leave you without internet for longer than necessary. Keep your current setup until you've locked down your new plan, provider and equipment and are ready to make the switch.Step 2: Check your area is eligible
To see if home wireless is available in your area, you need to ensure you have good 4G or 5G coverage in your area.
WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Even if you have good 4G or 5G coverage at your address, you'll always need to double-check your address when ordering your chosen wireless internet plan from your provider of choice. In some cases, providers may only sell a limited number of services per postcode to prevent congestion.
Step 3: Make sure your current contract has ended
Check your current plan to see if there's any time left on your contract. If you’re in the middle of a long-term contract you could be hit with early cancellation fees. You might be almost finished too so it could be waiting a little longer to avoid additional fees.
Step 4: Sign up
Wireless internet is still growing, with several providers offering 4G and 5G wireless internet plans. These include Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, iiNet, TPG, SpinTel, and Yomojo. Have a browse and when you’ve found the best provider for you, sign up for your plan online, in-store or via the phone.
Compare 5G home internet plans in WhistleOut's database by speed:
If you decide to choose a plan capped at 50Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of NBN 50, however, you may experience
slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option if you're either conscious of the price
or you know you won't use over 50Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 50Mbps:
If you choose a plan capped at 100Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan, however, you may
experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option for households with multiple
members who regularly connect to the internet at the same time.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 100Mbps:
Telstra, Optus, Yomojo and SpinTel currently offer uncapped plans. These can go as fast as network conditions allow but exact speeds will depend on your coverage and congestion. Generally, though we have found 200Mbps is a pretty safe average.
Step 5: Set Up
Once your new wireless modem arrives, you just need to plug it in and you’ll be connected instantly!
Step 5: Cancel your old service
Once you’re connected and ready, you’ll need to contact your old provider and cancel your old plan.
Switching broadband from ADSL to NBN
Equipment Needed
Many NBN plans come with a new NBN-ready modem, or the option to add one on. This will probably be bundled into the cost of your plan or you might be charged an upfront fee for the modem if you're going contract-free.
Step 1: DON'T cancel your existing plan
Some people think you need to cancel your current plans first before signing up for a new one but that's not true. This will just leave you without internet for longer than necessary. Keep your current setup until you've locked down your new plan, provider and equipment and are ready to make the switch.
Step 2: Check to see if the NBN is available in your area
While NBN is available virtually everywhere nowadays, you may be curious about what NBN connection type is available at your address. You can check this on the NBN Co website.
Step 3: Make sure your current contract has ended.
If you can’t wait until your contract is up, you should be able to switch to the NBN with your current provider and then jump ship once your contract is up.
Step 4: Place your NBN order online, via the phone or in-store
Once you've chosen your new ISP and placed your order, your new ISP will take care of switching your internet, (and home phone, if you’re into that sort of thing) over to your new plan and cancelling your old one.
Step 5: Organise your install
Depending on the provider and where you live, this can take a couple of days. Your new provider will work with you to get this sorted as quickly as possible and will walk you through anything else you need to know to get connected.
If you're renting, make sure you have your landlord's permission before installing any new equipment.
Be prepared that there may be a small period of downtime between switching off your ADSL and switching on your NBN. If you're without internet during the switch-over for more than three days, your carrier is obliged to offer an interim service, for example, more mobile data or credit towards mobile data, while you wait.
If you're signing up with Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, you'll be provided with a modem that includes 4G backup, so you can still access the internet during the blackout.
If you're looking to switch, check out some of the most popular NBN plans in our database:
How to switch NBN providers FAQs
How long does it take to change NBN providers?
If you're already connected to the NBN, your transfer can happen even on the same day! Every telco and every household will be different, but in this guide on how long it takes to switch internet providers, we discuss the expected duration to get your new connection up and running.
If you still haven't moved from ADSL, there'll be a longer wait time. You're looking at ten business days in many cases, but this can depend on where you live. Regional and rural installs tend to have longer wait times.
Do I need to cancel my current internet plan while changing providers?
No, do not cancel your current plan until your new plan is active. If you do, you will simply be without internet for longer. Some providers will also cancel your old service for you, but it's best to check this as cancelling any utility is ultimately your responsibility.
Do I need to buy a new modem?
Whether you need a new modem depends on what technology type you're switching to. If you're moving from one NBN plan to another, you can typically use your existing modem.
If you're moving from NBN to home wireless internet, you'll need a new modem, but your provider will supply this.
If you're moving from ADSL to NBN, there's a good chance you'll want a new modem.
If you're ready to switch and aren't sure what plan to choose from, our editors pick the best NBN plans each month. We compare prices, speed, and more from different providers. Read our guide and start your search for the best plan for you.
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