How To Cancel Your Verizon Internet Service: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you considering canceling your Verizon Fios internet service due to high monthly costs, slow speeds, poor customer service or to switch to another provider? If so, you likely have questions about the cancellation process and what to expect afterwards.

The good news is canceling Verizon internet is straightforward when you know the key steps. Read on to learn how to cancel online, what fees may apply, how to return equipment, and tips for setting up new service.

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Why You May Want To Cancel Verizon Internet Service?

There are a few common reasons Verizon Fios customers contemplate canceling their home internet service:

High monthly costs – Verizon Fios runs on fiber optic networks which provide faster speeds but come with premium pricing, leaving some customers seeking cheaper home internet alternatives.
Slow speeds – While Verizon Fios offers high speed tiers, some customers still experience inconsistent speeds, especially during peak congestion periods. This leads them to explore options with more reliable performance.
Poor customer service – Between long hold times and unhelpful representatives, lackluster customer service drives some customers to cancel their Verizon service.
Found a better deal – With so much competition among internet providers like AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity and others, some customers cancel when they find cheaper or higher quality service.

If you can relate to any of these issues with your Verizon Fios internet, switching providers or at least threatening to cancel service can provide leverage to negotiate a better deal.

Information Needed To Cancel Verizon Internet Service

Before starting the Verizon Fios cancellation process, gather key account details including:

Account holder’s name – The name associated with your Verizon account. This ensures only authorized parties can make changes.
Account number – Have your Verizon account number handy to help pull up your details swiftly.
Reason for cancellation – Be prepared to share why you are discontinuing service, whether due to costs, performance, moving, etc.
Outstanding device balance – Understand any remaining balance owed on a router, modem or other Verizon device that you still need to pay off.

Having this information ready streamlines the cancellation process instead of fumbling for specifics when connected to a customer service rep.

Options For Canceling Verizon Internet Service

When ready to pull the plug on Verizon Fios internet, you have three main options to officially cancel service:

Call Verizon Customer Service

The quickest way to guarantee cancellation takes place involves calling 1-844-837-2262. Wait times average 15 minutes before speaking to a representative who can process account termination during business hours. Simply explain you wish to disconnect service.

Visit Local Verizon Store

Besides phoning Verizon support, visiting a brick-and-mortar Verizon store allows performing an in-person cancellation with a store representative. You can also simultaneously return any rented equipment instead of arranging separate shipping.

Cancel Online Via My Verizon Account

The self-service method for cancellation requires logging into your My Verizon account online or in the mobile app. Navigate to account management options to select discontinuing service. However, speaking with a representative still provides the most direct path to confirm cancellation details.

No matter how you choose to sever ties with Verizon Fios internet, make sure to have your account information on hand to reference during the termination process.

What To Expect After Canceling Verizon Internet

Cancelling Verizon services sets certain account changes into motion. Be aware of what happens regarding your services, final bill, equipment, and contacts after submitting your cancellation request:

Services Disconnect On Last Bill Cycle Day

Verizon internet does not cancel immediately on your chosen cancellation date. Rather, service terminates on the final calendar day of your current billing period. So you still receive Fios access until that last cycle day.

Final Bill With Termination Fees and Charges

Expect to receive a final bill from Verizon reflecting any early termination fees if still under contract plus a prorated amount for your days of service in the concluding billing cycle.

Equipment Returns Within 30 Days

Customers must send back any Verizon-owned routers, modems or set-top boxes within 30 days of discontinuing service. Otherwise non-return fees apply. Use the provided pre-paid shipping label to avoid charges.

Update Contacts With New Details

Don’t forget to distribute your new internet provider and contact details to close connections. Otherwise, they may try reaching outdated numbers.

Know what to anticipate regarding your final Verizon bill, service end date, equipment returns and more when navigating the cancellation process.

Understanding Potential Fees and Charges

Certain penalties potentially accompany canceling Verizon services prematurely or failing to return rented devices:

Early Termination Fees

If still under contract with Verizon Fios, expect to pay an early termination fee for breaking that agreement early. Fees start at $350 but decrease by $15 per month served. Recently activated accounts see the highest penalties.

Equipment Non-Return Fees

Leased routers, modems and set-top boxes not sent back within 30 days of cancellation trigger fees equivalent to the retail price of those devices. Avoid by promptly shipping back rentals using Verizon’s provided labels.

By comprehending these possible charges awaiting you, cancelling service comes with fewer monetary surprises down the road.

Alternatives To Immediately Canceling Service

Termination may feel drastic if otherwise happy with Verizon’s speeds and reliability but want pricing relief or added flexibility. Consider these options before fully committing to cancellation:

Seasonally Suspend Account

If canceling due to extended travel or only requiring Verizon Fios during certain months, you can place your account on hold from one month up to nine months for a $10 charge per monthly suspension.

Transfer Service To New Address

Moving but want to retain Verizon internet service? You can transfer your Fios plan to a new address assuming coverage exists at your next residence.

Downgrade Plan To Reduce Costs

Eliminating premium channels, dropping internet speed tiers and removing unneeded phone lines represents more affordable ways to keep Verizon services at a lower recurring cost.

Sometimes downgrading or temporarily suspending service gives you the savings or flexibility needed to avoid permanently discontinuing your Verizon internet.

Setting Up Service With Another Internet Provider

Once resolved to leave Verizon behind for good, replacing them entirely means selecting another internet provider. Here is how to handle finding and installing new home internet service:

Research New Provider Options In Your Area

Using a tool like Allconnect lets you compare other available internet plans in your new home’s exact zip code so you see only confirmed options.

Compare Internet Plans And Pricing

Contrast monthly pricing, contract lengths, required equipment fees, speed ratings and other variables among packages from competitors like Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity, AT&T and regional brands.

Confirm Service Availability At Your New Address

Before finalizing switch decisions, plug your new address into potential new provider websites to confirm they can definitely deliver service. Some companies only share partial infrastructure with Verizon.

Schedule Installation Appointment

Once signed up for replacement internet from your chosen provider, arrange a service activation appointment with an installation technician to set up new networking equipment.

With some advance planning regarding best packages and installation scheduling, swapping Verizon services for a new provider comes with minimal downtime or gaps in your internet connectivity at home.

Step-By-Step Process For Canceling Verizon

Follow this streamlined sequence canceling your Verizon Fios internet services without extra stress or frustration:

Gather your account details for the cancellation call.
Pick your cancellation method – phone, online or in-store.
Share reasons for leaving and confirm penalties.
Note final bill expectations and return equipment deadline.
Consider downgrading vs. straight cancellation if moving or seeking savings.
Research replacement providers and compare plan pricing.
Schedule new service installation for a smooth transition.

Key Takeaways When Canceling Verizon At Home

To recap, follow this checklist to clear any hurdles when severing ties with Verizon as your home internet provider:

Have your Verizon account details on hand to verify identity
Understand any early termination fees based on contract status
Confirm final bill includes all cancellation-related charges
Return equipment like routers and modems within 30 days
Pay outstanding device balances before terminating service
Share new contact info so connections can reach you
Consider seasonal suspensions before complete cancellation
Compare deals so new provider offers adequate internet speeds and savings

Frequently Asked Questions About Canceling Verizon

Before you call to cancel your Verizon service, review answers to these commonly asked questions:

Can I cancel Verizon internet anytime?

Yes, you can request Verizon cancellation anytime. But if still under contract, early termination fees apply. Recently activated subscribers see the highest penalties.

What is the phone number to cancel Verizon services?

Call 1-844-837-2262 to reach the Verizon cancellation department. Wait times average 10-15 minutes before speaking to a representative.

How does canceling internet affect Verizon bundles?

When you cancel Verizon internet service included in a bundle, you typically lose any package discounts applied to remaining television or phone services, causing your bill to rise.

What happens if I temporarily suspend Verizon instead?

Suspending Verizon service lets you pause service between one month and up to nine months by paying a $10 monthly freeze fee. This avoids closing your account if discontinuing for an extended but defined period.

Final Thoughts on Canceling Verizon Internet

Transitioning between service providers often gets accompanied by headaches stemming from unexpected fees, lapses in access or unintuitive processes. But canceling your Verizon Fios internet plan does not need to follow this frustrating path.

Arm yourself with the right Verizon account details, understand all cancellation particulars, navigate required equipment returns and line up installation with a new provider in advance.

Following the outlined guidance makes dropping Verizon services feel manageable rather than mystifying. Soon enough you will connect to more affordable and higher quality internet allowing you to cancel one monthly bill with confidence instead of regret.

What questions remain regarding severing ties with Verizon and setting up alternative home internet access? Let me know and I would be happy to provide any other cancellation pointers to guarantee the process goes smoothly.