Many customers avoid changing their internet provider. They are happy that their internet connection is reasonably stable and are concerned that there might be problems with the switch. However, in doing so, they may miss out on the opportunity to get a much more powerful connection or save a lot of money. In any case, the fear is unfounded, because changing the Internet provider is not rocket science. To ensure that everything works smoothly, however, a few important aspects should be observed.
Why switch at all?
An important reason why the existing contract should be regularly compared to the current tariffs is possible cost savings. Comparisons on independent platforms on the Internet show that changing the Internet contract can save around 100 to 200 euros a year.
Technology is making great strides. However, the existing contracts often do not take this into account. This is particularly evident in the speed of the Internet connection. Even entry-level tariffs such as MagentaZuhause S now offer a download speed of 16 Mbit/s. If the old contract has been in place for some time, the speed is likely to be lower.
Who is not only on the Internet inform about news with his tablet and checking his emails, but also wants to stream series and films on Netflix, Amazon and Disney, requires a speed of at least 5 to 10 Mbit/s. For content in 4K resolution, the download rate should be around 25 Mbit/s. If there are constant annoying interruptions when binge-watching, then that is also a good reason for a change.
Many require a powerful internet connection to stay at home on the gaming PC to gamble against players from all over the world. It's not just the speed that matters here, but above all the latency. This means the delay caused by the input on Gamepad until it is displayed on the screen. The download rate should be around 50 to 100 Mbit/s for gaming, and the latency should be less than 50 milliseconds if possible.
All those who are confronted with constant failures of their Internet connection should also consider a change. Especially when the customer service is incompetent or can only be reached after being on hold for ages. So there are many reasons for the change. The decisive question is: Which provider is the right one?
It's a match! Find a new provider.
If you have a DSL connection, you basically have three options for switching:
- Change to another DSL provider
- Switch to a local fiber provider
- Switch to cable internet
Switching to another DSL provider works in a similar way to finding a partner. With the help of independent DSL tariff calculators, it is very easy to find a new DSL Internet partner here.
The most important parameters such as your own area code and the desired download rate are simply entered in the basic settings. The suitable tariffs available at your own place of residence, including all advantages and the monthly costs, are then displayed in a list. As a result, the new tariff can be ordered directly from many comparison portals.
Fiber optic connections are seen as the Internet connection of the future. Anyone who has the technical possibility of changing should therefore check whether this also makes economic sense. Mainly because the installation and the monthly fees are still very expensive in some cases.
In addition, the marketing departments of some providers cheat on the term and also sell VDSL connections as fiber optic lines. However, VDSL is only a bridging technology.
Those who switch from DSL to cable often achieve significantly higher speeds than via the telephone socket. In addition, there are already many tariffs with a very good price-performance ratio. Above all, the combined tariffs of the providers in connection with TV offers can provide real relief for the household budget.
Avoid the biggest stumbling blocks when switching providers
When changing internet providers, many customers keep making the same mistakes. One of the most common of these is, for example, terminating the contract with the previous provider yourself. Because then the provider simply orders the line. The new provider can often only order this when the connection has already been switched off. The consequence of this can be an interruption of several days. The termination of the previous connection should therefore always be requested from the new provider in the course of concluding a new contract.
Before the old contract is terminated, it is important that the to check the exact notice periods. Because it is not always possible to break the business connection with the old provider from one day to the next. In any case, the change should not be planned overnight, but with a lead time of at least two months before the end of the contract. This gives the new provider enough time to activate the connection in good time.
If you need your Internet connection for work, you should have an emergency alternative on hand in case of failures when changing. This can, for example, be a data packet for the cell phone. Or a public WiFi hotspot that can be received and used at home. Anyone who has a good relationship with their neighbors can also ask them if they can use their WiFi network for a few days.
If you simply change the DSL provider, there is usually no technician in the apartment. The work is carried out outside the home by a Telekom employee. Things are different when it comes to, for example, the Telekom tariff from DSL to fiber optics or change cables. Here the technician usually comes into the apartment to check whether the line is really switched to the end. In this case, it is important to actually be at home at the announced appointment.
In most cases, the connection is switched by late morning. However, it may take a few hours until the line is actually activated and working. So there is no point in contacting the hotline immediately after the changeover if the connection does not work immediately. That should at least wait until the next day. In most cases, the call is then unnecessary anyway.
However, if there is no connection even after several days and the customer service is not very helpful, it can be helpful contact the Federal Network Agency. The latter then contacts the old and the new provider and tries to solve the problem as quickly as possible.
