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No point in paying for a service you’re not going to use for a while, right? However, you may not want to cut the cord because you do see yourself coming back to it after some time. Ironically, that’s how some relationships work too – you need a break rather than a break-up!
Why not put your internet service on pause rather than canceling it? This is the ideal solution if you are happy with the service, but you’d simply like to save some money during the time you won’t be using it.
Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer the “pause” option because they want to retain customers. Let’s talk about how this arrangement works and if it’s actually better than canceling your service to renew it later.
Why Pause Your Internet Service?
Pausing your internet service temporarily rather than shutting it down can be beneficial in several case scenarios:
- Leaving home for an extended vacation/summer vacation
- Going on a seasonal retreat to escape extreme weather conditions at home
- Temporarily relocating for a job or other personal reasons
- To cut down monthly expenses during a financially challenging period
Typically, pausing the internet service is the reasonable thing to do when you have travel plans and nobody will be home to utilize it. On the other hand, outright canceling it can save you from quite a few repercussions, such as a steep early termination fee or reactivation charges if you decide to return.
Pausing Internet Service vs. Terminating Internet Service
Pausing your internet service instead of terminating it is usually more cost-effective, but there are exceptions. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each route to give you the full picture.
Pausing Your Internet Service: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Monthly plan charges are temporarily suspended.
- It’s easier to resume the service since reinstallation or reactivation isn’t required.
- You don’t have to return the internet equipment.
- Promotional or contract price is preserved.
- You can pick up where you left off – the contract term is reinstated when you resume service.
CONS
- A one-time fee or small monthly charge is still applicable during the pause period.
- Early termination charges (for contract term) will still apply if you decide to switch to another service during or right after the pause.
Terminating Your Internet Service: Pros and Cons
PROS
- There’s no compulsion to restore the service, so you can switch to another ISP anytime.
- You don’t have to pay any one-time or monthly fees.
- No termination charges apply in the case of a contract-free plan.
CONS
- Early termination fees apply in the case of annual or long-term contracts.
- Returning to the service provider shall require reinstallation and/or reactivation charges.
- If the ISP previously granted a low-price lock, you may no longer be eligible for the same price upon renewal.
- Equipment costs will be charged if not returned in due time.
How do I Pause my Internet Service?
Are you convinced that pausing your internet service is just what you need right now? If yes, the next step is to figure out how. The procedure for putting your internet on pause depends on your ISP, given that they offer this option.
Most internet providers do allow customers to pause their service, though conditions and charges vary. The straightforward way is to contact customer service (via call or live chat on their website) and ask them to assist you in the matter.
You could also log into your ISP account via the official website or mobile app to check for the option of pausing or temporarily suspending your internet service.
Internet Providers That Let You Pause Your Internet Service
Most providers let you pause your internet service for up to 6-9 months, which is plenty to cover vacations, seasonal migrations, and short-term relocations. The one-time fee or monthly charges vary by internet plan and location.
Don’t see your internet provider on the catalog? That’s okay. We have just listed a handful of leading brands across the United States. Additionally, the terms and conditions differ by provider, so you should reach out to the specific ISP to know precise details.
What are the Alternatives to Pausing my Internet Service?
In case you wish to suspend your internet service for a long time (say for a year or more), pausing it might not be a viable or economical option. Moreover, pausing the service is no good if you don’t truly intend to come back to it.
Here are a few more ways to go around the situation:
Switch to a Mobile Internet Service
Someone who travels a lot and rarely stays in one place for more than 6-12 months should consider switching to a wireless and mobile internet service. Several ISPs like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer mobile hotspot plans and devices.
Mobile hotspot devices can be carried everywhere and work in all areas receiving strong 4G/5G signals from your chosen provider.
Choose a Pay by the Month Service
Many ISPs don’t require customers to enter a term contract. Therefore, it’s totally safe to discontinue your plan at any time; no-contract plans are not subject to early termination fees. On top of that, use your own internet equipment (modem + router/gateway) so you’re not held liable for paying for the ISP’s equipment.
Transfer Service or Contract Buyout
Suppose you’ve signed up for an annual contract with an ISP, but you’re required to relocate for work just a few months in. You’re not sure how long you’ll be gone, so how can you terminate the service without suffering a major financial loss?
For this scenario, you can request a service transfer to your new location; this works as long as your current ISP operates in the new neighborhood. On the contrary, you may switch to an ISP like Spectrum that offers contract buyouts; this means they will fully or partially compensate you for termination fees if you switch to their service.
FAQs
Can I temporarily suspend my internet service instead of canceling it?
Yes, most internet providers let customers pause their internet service for up to several months on end. They can resume services with ease after the approved suspension period.
Do I have to pay to put my internet service on hold?
Your ISP may ask for a one-time fee or impose small monthly charges during the time your service is on hold. The option to pause your internet service is not entirely free of charge.
What if I want to cancel my internet service after putting it on pause?
Putting your internet service on pause does not account for your term contract. Provided that early termination charges were applicable when you paused the service, you’ll still have to pay them when you cancel the service after pausing it for a while.
