Internet is one of the most important things you need in a new apartment. To ensure they can get connected quickly, tenants usually need to sort this out themselves. Activation of your service can take anywhere from a few days to a number of weeks, depending on the service provider and type of connection. Registering for Internet early on allows you to avoid an unnecessary wait after moving in. In this guide, we take you through the process of registering for Internet step by step and highlight the things you need to be aware of.
If you’re not sure which types of connection are an option for you, it’s worth checking with the service provider for availability or taking a look at the existing connection points in your apartment. Alternatively, you can look to see what’s available for your address, for example, on our multimedia offers page or conveniently via the “Mein Vonovia” app.
Registering for Internet is usually a straightforward process and involves just a few steps.
First, check which connection types and service providers are available at your new address. This will allow you to choose a plan that’s right for you.
You then need to choose a plan that meets your needs. Pay attention to the following points:
You can usually take out a contract in a number of different ways:
To register you’ll need a few personal details, such as your name, address, move-in date and bank account details.
Once you have taken out the contract, your connection will be set up. This involves:
You can start using your Internet connection as soon as everything’s set up.
You should register for Internet two to four weeks before moving where possible. This usually leaves sufficient time for your service provider to process the connection request, schedule a visit from a technician if one is required and deliver the router in good time.
How early you should start organizing things depends on the connection type and service provider. The process is often quicker if there is an existing connection. If a new connection needs to be installed, it can take longer to get your service up and running.
You should leave some time to get this arranged, as there are several factors that often come into play:
You can often take your current Internet contract with you to your new address when you move. This is dependent on whether your service provider is able to provide the connection at your new place of residence. You should therefore give your service provider as much notice as possible before you move, so it can check whether the contract can be transferred and when the connection can be activated.
If your current service provider covers your new address, you can often continue your contract. To do this, you usually need to inform your service provider of your new address and your move-in date. It will then check what type of connection is available there and whether an appointment is needed to activate it.
Even if the contract remains in place, some technical details, such as the speed or the router, may change. You should therefore clarify early on whether your current plan can be transferred without any changes.
You usually need to take out a new contract if your current service provider is not available at your new address or you wish to use the move as an opportunity to change plan.
If your service provider is unable to provide the same service at your new address, in many cases you have the right to cancel the contract early (special right of cancellation).
If this is the case, compare the deals that are available at your new address and check the contract term, speed and potential delivery times as well as the price. This will ensure you find the connection that’s the best fit for your new home.
How long it takes to activate the Internet service depends on the connection and local conditions.
Typical time frames are as follows:
In some cases, you’ll require a visit from a technician, for example, if a new connection needs to be installed or the existing one needs to be checked. This can further influence how long you’ll need to wait.
To avoid any delays, you should register for Internet as early as possible – ideally before you move.
You usually need a few basic details to register for Internet.
These include:
Depending on the circumstances, the following additional information may be helpful:
If you have this information ready, registering for an Internet connection is usually a quick and easy process.
If you register for Internet too late, this can cause delays in the activation of your service. Setting up your connection can take several days or even weeks, depending on the service provider and type of connection.
Potential consequences are:
To avoid any disruptions to your service, you should register for an Internet connection prior to moving if possible.
To ensure that your Internet connection is up and running on time, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid wherever possible. Delays are particularly common around move-in because key steps are completed too late.
Common mistakes are:
It’s best to check which types of connection are available at your new address early on, take out a contract in good time and keep track of scheduled appointments. This will improve your chances of having fully functional Internet when you move in.
Additional tips for moving can help you ensure that you’re as well prepared as possible.
