When we switch companies for our internet services, it’s not uncommon for our previous provider to reach out with a better offer to entice us to stay. This can pose a dilemma, especially if the new company has already installed their equipment at our home. In such cases, returning to the previous provider may leave us without internet access until a technician can reinstall their equipment.
So, what can be done if you want to reconnect your previous provider’s equipment without waiting for a technician? What if you change your mind about switching and want to return to your previous provider with their equipment? We’ll explore all these scenarios.
Reconnecting the Equipment
If you decide to return to your previous internet service provider and still have their equipment at home, you can reconnect it and resume normal operation. However, there are some crucial steps to consider before doing so.
Firstly, you need to determine whether the technician from your new provider made any alterations to the network. For instance, they might have modified the CTO (Central Termination Point) or splitter during the portability process. If these changes were made, attempting to connect your previous equipment won’t work, and you’ll have to wait for your previous provider’s technician to revisit your home to reconnect the service properly. If network changes were made and you connect the equipment yourself, it won’t synchronize, and you won’t have internet access.
On the other hand, if the technician from the new provider hasn’t made any network changes or hasn’t completed the installation, you can safely switch the equipment back yourself. The equipment will acquire the necessary IP settings, and you’ll have internet access without requiring a technician’s visit. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to have a technician inspect the connections and service quality, even if you’ve reconnected the equipment independently.
Additionally, it’s essential to ensure you understand how to make the connections correctly. The process differs based on whether you have direct fiber with a single router or indirect fiber with an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and a router. In the latter case, connecting the cables correctly is crucial for the equipment to function properly.
For instance, when dealing with an ONT and router setup, you should start by plugging in the equipment and connecting the fiber patch cord to the ONT. Once the ONT has synchronized (indicated by a solid green PON LED), you need to link it to the router using a network cable. Pay close attention here, as the router will typically have a specific port for this connection, often labeled as WAN or Fiber. This is the port where you should connect the ONT to enable the router to obtain an IP address and gain internet access. After making the connection, wait a few minutes, and you should have internet connectivity restored without any issues.
What to Do with the Previous Provider’s Equipment
As you switch equipment between providers, you’ll end up with unused equipment from the other company. You might consider disposing of it, but this isn’t recommended, as your previous provider will likely request its return, and failure to do so could result in charges and penalties.
Contact your previous internet service provider to determine the proper procedure for returning their equipment. In some cases, they may send a representative to collect it, provide you with envelopes and a mailing address, or instruct you to drop it off at the nearest store. When returning the equipment, make sure to include both the equipment itself and any power supplies. Request a delivery certificate as proof of return to avoid potential administrative issues.