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Part of the Tech Decoded guide series by Singtel, helping Singaporeans make smarter home tech decisions. 

Thinking about switching broadband, but unsure what happens next? From installation and possible downtime to cancelling your old service, there can be a few things to work out.

The process is simpler when you know what to expect. Check your existing contract, arrange your new broadband and installation, make sure the new connection is working, then complete the termination of your old service.

You'll also want to check whether your current provider needs any equipment returned.

Here's what happens before, during and after the switch—so you can make the move with fewer surprises.

To switch broadband providers with minimal downtime, arrange your new fibre broadband installation before cancelling your current service. Check your contract and equipment-return requirements first.

Switching broadband isn't always one instant handover.

Think of it in three stages:

Before the switch: Check your contract, choose your new plan and arrange installation.

During the switch: Your fibre connection may need to be activated and your new broadband equipment installed.

After the switch: Make sure everything works, terminate your previous service as required and return any equipment that belongs to your old provider.

The exact process and timing depend on your provider, your home's existing fibre setup and appointment availability.

Here's how to make the journey easier.

Before signing up elsewhere, check when your existing contract ends.

Switching before your minimum contract period is over may come with termination charges. Your provider may also have notice or equipment return requirements.

Before you switch, know these four things:

A five-minute check now can save an unexpected charge later.

Switching is a good opportunity to think about what you want from your next connection.

Maybe your household has more connected devices now. Perhaps you're working from home more often. Or you're looking for stronger whole-home Wi-Fi and more comprehensive security for your home network.

Look beyond speed alone. Consider Wi-Fi coverage, a home phone line, entertainment, equipment, support and contract terms.

The right plan should fit how your household actually gets connected.

Where practical, avoid terminating your existing broadband before you know when your new service can be installed and activated.

Cancelling too early could leave you without home internet while you wait for the new connection.

Your new provider should let you know what installation or activation work is required at your address.

Can the two services overlap?

Yes, sometimes.

In some homes, your new broadband may be activated on another available fibre connection while your existing service remains active. However it is dependent on your home’s fibre set up and having the available NetLink Trust Fibre Termination Ports. Your new service can be activated on a new available port, so that you can terminate your old service once your new service is up.  

It is best to check with your new provider when arranging the switch. 
 

From the Singtel team 💡

A little overlap can be better than a lot of downtime.

If staying connected matters for work, school or simply keeping everyone online, plan your switch around your new installation date—not just the last day of your old contract.

The installation journey varies depending on your provider and your home's existing fibre setup.

In some cases, NetLink Trust (NLT), which operates Singapore's nationwide fibre network, may first need to activate the fibre connection to your home. Your broadband provider can then install and set up the equipment you need.

If you're switching to Singtel, once your application is processed, we'll let you know what installation your home requires and coordinate the relevant appointments. If NLT activation is needed, we'll arrange that before your Singtel equipment installation. 
 

We'll keep you updated via SMS, so you know what's happening, when you need to be home and what comes next.

Do you need to be home?

For a Singtel equipment installation, yes. You'll need to be present while our engineer installs and sets up your broadband equipment.

If NLT work is required, we'll let you know what you need to do for that appointment.

What should you prepare?

For a Singtel broadband installation, have two power points available: one for the optical network equipment and another for your Wi-Fi router or access point.

It's also worth thinking about router placement before installation day. The most convenient location isn't always the best place for Wi-Fi.

Related guide: Should I put my Wi-Fi 7 router in the DB box or living room for a 4-room BTO?

Once your new broadband is installed, check the things your household actually uses before wrapping up your old service.

Connect your everyday devices, check Wi-Fi in the rooms that matter and make sure your wired devices work as expected.

Seeing lower speeds than expected on a particular device?

Related guide: Why your 10Gbps broadband is only showing 1Gbps.

Still have weak Wi-Fi in some rooms?

Related guide: Mesh router vs Wi-Fi extender for thick concrete walls in older HDB flats.

New broadband working? There's one last bit of housekeeping.

Confirm the termination process with your previous provider rather than assuming your old service will automatically end.

Then check whether any equipment needs to be returned. Equipment-return policies vary between providers, and some routers, ONRs, ONTs or accessories may remain the provider's property.

Before you're done:

Then you're good to go.

Should I cancel my current broadband before switching?

Generally, don't cancel it too early.

First check your existing contract and arrange your new connection. Where possible, getting your new broadband working before completing the termination of your old service can reduce the risk of unnecessary downtime.

Your existing provider can confirm its notice and termination requirements.

Can I switch broadband providers without losing internet?

You may be able to reduce or avoid downtime by arranging the new installation before terminating the old service. Whether both services can overlap depends on your home's fibre setup and available ports, so confirm the handover plan with your new provider.

How long does it take to switch broadband providers in Singapore?

There isn't one universal timeframe.

It depends on your home's existing fibre setup, the providers involved and appointment availability. If you're switching to Singtel, we'll let you know what appointments are required and arrange them at the earliest available timeslot.

Do I need to be home for broadband installation?

It depends on the work required.

For a Singtel equipment installation, you'll need to be present while our engineer installs and sets up your broadband equipment. If NetLink Trust activation is also required, we'll let you know what you need to do for that appointment.

What happens to my old broadband equipment?

Check with your existing provider before disposing of anything.

Some equipment may belong to the provider and need to be returned after termination. Requirements and deadlines differ, so confirm what needs to go back, where to return it and by when.

If you're ready to switch to Singtel Broadband, we'll help make the process easier to navigate.

Once you've chosen your broadband plan, we'll let you know what installation your home needs and arrange the relevant appointments. You'll receive the details along the way, and you can track or change your Singtel installation appointment if your plans change.

So you know what's happening, and what's next.

Explore Singtel Broadband →

Switching broadband doesn't have to mean days without Wi-Fi—or wondering what happens next.

Start by checking your existing contract. Arrange your new broadband and installation. Where possible, make sure the new connection is working before completing the termination of your old service. Then return any equipment your previous provider requires.

Know what happens before, during and after the switch, and the whole process becomes much easier to navigate.

Explore more Tech Decoded guides.

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Not sure what's right for your home?

Home networking doesn't have to be complicated.

If you need help choosing the right setup, troubleshooting a connection or getting the most from your broadband, Singtel's team is here to help, with online guides, technical support and friendly advice when you need it.

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