How to Change Internet Providers Without the Hassle: Your Complete Guide

Switching internet providers might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right plan, you can enjoy a smooth transition, risk-free. In this guide, we’ll show you how to change internet providers seamlessly, from understanding your needs to setting up a new connection. Whether you’re looking for better speed, reliability, or customer service, Fidalia Networks has you covered.

1. Determine Your Need for a New ISP

Before you make a switch, it’s important to understand why you’re considering it. Are you experiencing frequent outages or slower speeds during peak hours? Maybe your current plan isn’t cost-effective, or customer service has been less than helpful.

List out the pain points with your current provider. For example, if you’re working from home via VPN, inconsistent internet can disrupt productivity – we have a business-grade solution for that. Similarly, video conferencing and uploading large files may require bigger pipes or lower latency. Identifying your needs helps you choose an ISP that meets them.

At Fidalia Networks, we prioritize reliability and speed for every type of user, ensuring you never have to compromise.

2. Inventory Everything that depends on your Internet

This often gets overlooked and it’s easier to get it all listed out before you start to narrow down potential providers.

Items to include:

• VPN
• VoIP Phones
• Security Cameras
• Payment Terminals
• Building Access Systems (Key cards, etc.)
• Printers
• Wi-Fi
• DNS
• Microsoft 365
• Remote Desktop
• Firewall Policies
• Cloud Services (AWS, etc.)

All of these services will depend on the internet. Forgetting any of these when evaluating options could mean you end up stuck with a slow, sluggish network.

How much bandwidth do you really need?

We hear this all the time – customers asking for 1Gbps service when they only need about 50 Mbps. After you’re taken an inventory of all of your users, applications and services that depend on the internet, consider the required bandwidth for each. Don’t just add them up, though, we suggest building what might be small lists of services/applications that might run concurrently. That’s where the bandwidth requirements balloon. Think about:

1. Time of Day – When users get in to the office in the morning, they download emails, update files and conduct other routine tasks. If your network can’t support the workload first thing in the morning, you’re setting your users up for failure. And you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Don’t change user behaviour, engineer the network to suit.
2. Concurrent Applications – If your users use Teams or Zoom for face-to-face virtual meetings, consider how often multiple calls are conducted at one time and what level of quality your team requires for those calls. If you’ve got 10 Teams calls happening in the office at any given time, you’ll need a network that can handle sending video call data consistently.
3. The Quiet Bandwidth Killers – They’re listed above, but sometimes the passive systems are the ones that put the most strain on the network. Consider your IP Cameras if they’re cloud-based, your backup/DR requirements, and other batch uploads that might get forgotten if you’re thinking only of your human network users.

Do you need Static IP addresses?

For businesses, static IP addresses make business processes simpler. Most commodity-based internet services (Cable Internet, DSL, etc.) use DHCP IP Addresses – meaning the address you have today may change at any time. If you have external users/systems accessing your network, you may need a number of IP addresses that are static (they don’t change.. ever). Examples include:

• VPN
• Firewall Rules
• SIP Providers
• Remote Desktop
• CCTV
• Payment Processing
• FTP/SFTP

These services rely (largely) on static IP addresses to work effectively.

3. Evaluate Potential Providers for Your Area

Once you’ve identified your reasons for switching, it’s time to evaluate your options. Research which ISPs serve your area and compare their plans. Look for features like:

• Download and upload speeds.
• Data caps (if any).
• Years in business
• Pedigree of clientele
• Additional perks, such as free installation or discounts.

Specific questions to ask your new potential service provider:

1. Is this a dedicated service or shared?
2. What is your SLA (Service Level Agreement) for this service type?
3. Is a Static IP address possible/included?
4. Do you provide local support
5. Do you offer bundled services (Phone Systems, Business TV, managed Wi-Fi, etc.)
6. Will my monthly price change during the contract term?

Visit Fidalia’s Internet Solutions page to explore our high-speed plans tailored to small business and enterprise users. We’re committed to transparency, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting.

3. Review Current Contracts for Fees or Limitations

Before switching, it’s crucial to check your current contract. Many ISPs include clauses about early termination fees. These can range from a flat rate to prorated charges based on the remaining contract term. With some ISPs in Canada, contracts auto-renew for their existing contract length – so be conscious of when you have a window to “get out”.

If fees seem high, consider negotiating with your provider. Let them know you’re exploring other options. They may offer to match a competitor’s price or waive fees to retain you.

Timing is also important. Plan your switch toward the end of your billing cycle to avoid paying for unused service.

4. Plan for a Downtime-Free Switch

No one wants to be stuck without internet during the switch. To avoid downtime, coordinate installation dates between your current and new provider. Ensure the new service is live before canceling the old one.

For a seamless setup, prepare your space ahead of time. Clear the area where the new equipment will be installed, and have any necessary information ready, such as your Wi-Fi password.

At Fidalia, we offer expert installation services to ensure you’re up and running in no time. Our team works with you to minimize disruptions and maximize convenience. Ensure your IP Address requirements are met, or that a new IP address is ready to be white-listed on any Firewall or gateways.

Create a workback plan for your network cut-over

We see a lot of customers jumping ship from the big three service providers to independent service providers that can provide better service. Here’s a workback plan that ensures you’ve given yourself enough time to make the required changes and to test the new connection(s) for user experience.

5. Check Device Compatibility with New ISP Requirements

Not all routers and modems are compatible with every ISP. Before switching, confirm whether your current equipment will work with your new provider’s network. If not, you may need to purchase or rent new devices.

Fidalia provides guidance on compatible devices and offers equipment that guarantees optimal performance. For example, our routers support the latest Wi-Fi standards, ensuring you get the full benefit of your upgraded internet service.

6. Notify and Cancel Your Current Service Appropriately

Once your new service is up and running, it’s time to notify your old provider. Cancel your service according to their guidelines, and make sure to return any rented equipment. Many ISPs charge penalties for unreturned devices, so double-check their return process.

Save all cancellation confirmations and receipts. These documents can protect you if there’s a billing dispute later.

Common Mistakes when Changing Internet Service Providers – Avoid These!

We turn up dozens of new circuits every month. And, because of that, we’ve seen a lot of the same mistakes being made. Most times, they’re innocuous, but it’s best to read them now so you can make any notes/plans before they become problems:

1. Cancelling old service too early. We see this all the time. We have temporary internet services available for this exact reason. Dedicated Fibre connections can take, we’ve seen, 9 months to get installed and activated. If you are certain there will be a gap between your old circuit and your new circuit, please let us know immediately and we’ll get something built for you. We see either circuits that can’t be re-activated, or entire businesses working off their cellphones because the new and old services didn’t overlap.
2. Forgetting firewall rules. This one doesn’t happen too often, but it does create un-necessary pain operationally. Document your firewall rules (we have a document for that) and make sure you update them with the new IP address as soon as you have it.
3. Not checking contract auto-renewal. Your existing service provider doesn’t want you to leave. In order to make it difficult, the service you have generally auto-renews for the same term you just finished. If you’re on a 60-month term with your service provider, make sure that the terms doesn’t auto-renew when the service auto-renews. We’ve seen where we have a client ready to sign only to find out that their service just auto-renewed and they’re locked in to the existing provider for another 34 months.

Frequently Asked Questions – Changing Internet Service Providers

Can you switch internet providers without downtime?

We get it – you just skipped right to these questions. YES, is your answer. The recommended approach is:

1. Install New Circuit
2. Test New Circuit
3. Pilot New Circuit (Controlled Workload)
4. Move Production
5. Disconnect Old Service

Will I lose my IP Address?

Usually yes. Every service provider has, generally, their own IP address “space” (A block of IP addresses that they control), and when you change service providers, you also change IP addresses. You should be prepared to update firewall rules, VPNs, cloud allow-lists, and any 3rd-party integrations.

What happens to my email or website if I change internet providers?

Usually nothing, frankly. Those services are generally hosted in the cloud – especially if you’re using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. If your email is tied to your ISP, migrate it first. We can help with that.

Should I overlap both internet services?

Absolutely. Businesses almost always benefit from keeping both circuits active during migration. That way, you can use both environments to test any unique issues that may present themselves.

How long does it take to switch business internet service providers?

Depending on the circuit type and your location (Faster in the Greater Toronto Area than in the Niagara Peninsula, for example), the service installation and activation timelines can vary substantially. For a quick idea, here are some popular services and their timelines:

1. DSL: 5-10 business days
2. Cable: 10-20 business days
3. Fibre and Microwave: 30-90 days
4. Dedicated Fibre/Ethernet: 45-120 days

For more detail on these service types, their common uses, and installation specifics, visit our business internet page.

Switching internet providers doesn’t have to be a headache. By following these steps, you can ensure a hassle-free transition to a new ISP. If you’re ready for reliable, high-speed internet backed by exceptional customer service, Fidalia Networks is here to help. Visit our Internet Solutions page today to learn more.

Take the first step toward better connectivity. It’s time to upgrade your experience and enjoy the internet as it should be!