How to move different types of internet connections (including fibre) to a new address.
Here’s what you need to know about how to move your internet when you move home.
What you do will depend on the type of connection you have.
Moving a fibre connection
First of all, find out if your new area has fibre available.
Fibre is being rolled out in most metropoles but not every suburb has it yet.
If your new address doesn’t have fibre, find out what your options are.
Fibre is being rolled out by different providers, so you may have to cancel your existing fibre connection and get a new connection when you move (as with Afrihost).
This may mean changing your internet service provider (ISP).
Your ISP may have connected you to a fibre provider on your behalf, which means your ISP will do it again at your new address.
If this is not the case, you might have to change fibre provider yourself, which can entail a new connection fee.
Your first step is to contact your ISP directly and ask what the process is (provided there’s fibre in your new area).
See these examples from fibre provider Vumatel and ISP Cool Ideas for more guidance.
Moving a wireless/LTE connection
Wireless connection like 5G or LTE is portable.
You simply move your modem to your new address.
You’ll still be connected via the wireless network, just as your mobile phone connects to the internet.
However, you must check that your new address has the same coverage as your old one.
The service provider won’t take responsibility for slower speeds or a spotty connection if you move your modem to an area with poorer coverage.
Check before you buy a house or sign a new lease.
You’ll save yourself the headache of trying to find an alternative connection.
Moving a broadband or DSL connection
ADSL and VDSL connections are older and being phased out by Telkom.
In some smaller towns and areas not yet covered by fibre, 5G or LTE, they’re the only internet connections available with decent speed.
The good news is that these connections are much easier to move than fibre.
Simply inform Telkom that you’re moving and need to be reconnected at your new address.
You can request to have your line moved online.
If your ISP is not Telkom, you’ll need Telkom to move the connection as it owns the DSL line.
You must inform your third-party ISP that you’re moving the line back to Telkom for relocation.
Once the relocation is complete, your ISP can reactivate the DSL. Afrihost outlines the process here.
If you choose to cancel your DSL line and get fibre or wireless in your new home, there may be an early cancellation fee if you signed a contract with Telkom.
In rare cases, even legitimate cancellations with Telkom have led to people being charged and blacklisted. So it’s a good idea to double-check that your cancellation has taken effect.
Flexi Offices at XtraSpace
If you do have to move your internet when you move home, you may find yourself temporarily without an internet connection.
In that case, you can use a business centre at your nearest XtraSpace branch.
Our clients get free access to the business centre at each branch.
If you need more space and privacy, many of our branches offer Flexi Offices – office space on flexible terms, with internet access.
XtraSpace
At XtraSpace, we offer clean, secure self-storage units that are ideal for storing belongings when you’re between homes or offices until you’re ready to move them into your new house or premises. Contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you.