How Long Does It Take to Get Internet in a New Home?

The easiest way to get your internet set up in your new home is if it’s already wired for one or more providers. Presumably, the person who lived there before you also had an internet connection, and if it was a wired connection, those cables are probably still there. Apartments and condos often come wired for one specific provider.

If they left the router and other equipment behind, then all you have to do is contact the provider and set up your account. If they took the equipment with them (or returned it, if they were renting), you can still set up your internet the same day if you can make a trip to your provider’s nearest physical location to pick your new equipment in person. Large brands like Xfinity and AT&T have at least one location in major cities. If picking your equipment up in person isn’t a practical option, providers can usually have it shipped to you in a day or two.

There are, of course, downsides to going with what’s already installed in your new home. First off, your options are limited to whatever the previous owners had. This probably means only one or two options that might not be your first choice. Additionally, you might not have a connection that meets your needs. Many providers still have much larger DSL or cable networks than fiber-optic networks, so even if your default provider has plans that you like, you might not be able to sign up for them in your new location.

If you’re not using a pre-installed connection, then you have a lot more options. But if you want to get online as soon as possible, you need a connection that’s quick and easy to set up.