A military family made up of two parents and their young daughter FaceTime family with a SmartPhone after their PCS move

Military Internet & TV Services for PCS Moves

Current members of the military and their families know the stress that comes with relocating their loved ones when PCS orders are received. Preparing for a new assignment, supporting your family through big changes, and ironing out the moving logistics can be overwhelming. Moving isn’t much easier for retired military members, either. Regardless of your military status, moving cable services and staying connected through Internet and mobile plans should be the least of your worries.

SmartMove makes it easy to switch your services to the same provider in a new location or find a new provider that supports your military family’s digital needs.

Get Connected

Enter the address where you'd like your Internet service.

94%

of military community members consider SmartMove's resources beneficial.

Testimonials from the military community

"SmartMove makes it easy to switch your services to the same provider in a new location or find a new provider that supports your military family’s digital needs."

Teresa O.

"This website will make it very simple for me to make a decision and will help ease some of the stress that comes with PCS'ing."

Cooper H.

"All the information that alleviates the stressors of planning and worrying about the next move and how to proceed forward. The tips and tricks to saving the hassles of searching and researching."

Nicole W.

"This is an incredible resource, especially with how stressful a move is during a short amount of time."

Laura P.

"Extremely beneficial information."

Chris A.

"The content is easy to digest and simple, and takes the frustration out of trying to figure out which providers are in the area."

Sara D.

Best Internet Providers for Military Members

Not sure where to start? Use this quick-reference guide to find the provider that best fits your needs:

ProviderBest ForWhy
Comcast XfinityBest Military Perks & Rewards
  • Exclusive military discounts on mobile plans and flexible line fees
  • Automatic Diamond Rewards status: Xfinity's highest tier
  • Virtual prepaid cards available for qualifying service members
MediacomBest for Affordability & Price Lock
  • 100 Mbps speeds for just $29.99/mo with a five-year price lock
  • Free installation, eero WiFi equipment, and built-in security included
  • 90-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind
SpectrumBest No-Contract Flexibility
  • No contracts, no data caps, and a free modem included
  • 500 Mbps speeds starting at $50/mo for the first year
  • Phone number reservation for up to three years — ideal for PCS moves
OptimumBest for Speed & Bundles
  • Internet speeds ranging from 300 Mbps up to 8 Gbps
  • Bundle Internet, TV, and Wireless plans for maximum savings
  • Unlimited mobile lines starting at $30/mo per line with 20 GB included
ArmstrongBest for Veteran Community Support
  • Partner of Healing Heroes, providing trained service dogs to qualifying disabled veterans
  • Supports veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, mobility issues, and more
  • A provider that gives back directly to the communities it serves
Hargray (Sparklight)Best for New Customer Credits
  • $50 credit applied to your first TV/Internet bill upon signup
  • Ongoing monthly discounts for active subscribers
  • Lift Internet option for income-eligible members
 

How Much Speed Do You Need?

TEST YOUR SPEED

How the SCRA Protects Your Internet & TV Service During Military Moves

 

Military life often means relocating at a moment’s notice—but long-term service contracts for home Internet, TV, and phone don’t always account for that flexibility. Fortunately, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides important protections for active-duty military and their family members.

Under the SCRA, you may be eligible to:

  • End any telecom contracts (telephone, cable, Internet, etc.) when you relocate somewhere your current provider doesn’t service.

  • Keep your current mobile  phone number even if you have to cancel your service due to a military move.

  • Let a surviving spouse terminate a lease or contract if their partner is lost in action.

  • Avoid damage to your credit score from delayed or terminated utility and telecom payments covered by the SCRA.

A military spouse laughs while her young daughter types on her laptop over her shoulders

Get Internet Strong Enough For Your Military Family

A woman sits on the floor of her new home surrounded by moving boxes while setting up new Internet and TV on her laptop.
A woman sits on the floor of her new home surrounded by moving boxes while setting up new Internet and TV on her laptop.

To ensure a seamless transfer of Internet and TV service or to find new providers when relocating, consider these tips:

✓ Plan Ahead: Research Internet and TV service providers in your new location well before your move. Check if your current provider is available there and what the terms are for transferring service. If you need to find a new provider, compare plans, costs, and reviews to make an informed decision.
✓ Utilize Military Support Services: Many service providers, like the ones we cover below, offer military discounts or have departments specifically for military family support. They may provide flexible contracts or assistance tailored to the unique needs of military families.
✓ Keep Important Documents Handy: Have copies of orders and other military documents readily available, as these may be required to terminate current contracts or to take advantage of military-specific offers.
✓ Schedule Disconnection and Installation Dates: Coordinate the disconnection of your current service close to your moving date and schedule installation at your new home as early as possible. This reduces the risk of being without service when you need it most.
✓ Check Equipment Requirements: If you’re transferring service, ensure your current equipment (modems, routers, set-top boxes) is compatible with your new location’s requirements. If you’re switching providers, check to see if you need to purchase or rent new equipment.
✓ Backup Important Contacts and Information: Before disconnecting your current service, make sure to back up any important contacts or documents that may be stored with your current Internet or TV provider.
✓ Ask About Temporary Solutions: If there will be a gap between moving out and getting new services installed, ask about temporary Internet solutions. Some providers may offer portable WiFi devices or other short-term options.

 

Need Help Paying for Internet? You May Qualify for Assistance

Whether through a federal program or a military-exclusive membership, there are several ways eligible veterans and active-duty families can reduce the cost of internet service.

Government Assistance: FCC Lifeline Program

The FCC Lifeline Program is a federal government program that offers a monthly discount on Internet or phone service for eligible low-income households, including veterans and active-duty families who meet income or assistance criteria.

Check eligibility here.

Non-Government Assistance: WeSalute

Not income-based? You may still be able to save through WeSalute (founded as Veterans Advantage), a membership program built exclusively for the military community, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families.

Getting started is free. Simply sign up at no cost and immediately gain access to over 150 rewards across a wide range of products and services. For those looking to maximize their savings, WeSalute also offers affordable tiered membership plans that unlock even deeper discounts and more exclusive benefits.

Explore WeSalute plans

ID.me

ID.me is a free digital identity verification platform that makes it easy for military members, veterans, and their families to prove their status once and use it everywhere. Once verified, you'll gain access to exclusive discounts from hundreds of participating brands and retailers, many of which include Internet and wireless providers.

Unlike a traditional membership program, ID.me acts as your universal military credential, accepted across a wide network of government agencies, service providers, and retailers.

Verify your military status with ID.me

How To Verify Your Military Status for Internet Discounts

 

Many Internet providers offer exclusive discounts for eligible military members, veterans, and their families, but you'll need to verify your status to unlock those savings. Here's what most providers accept:

  • Military .mil Email Address: Active-duty service members can often verify instantly using their official .mil email during signup.
  • Veteran ID Card (VIC): Issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VIC is widely accepted as proof of veteran status and can be used at the point of signup or in-store.
  • Common Access Card (CAC): The standard military ID for active-duty personnel, reservists, and DoD civilians.
  • DD-214: Veterans separating from service can use their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty to verify eligibility.
  • Dependent Military ID: Military spouses and dependents may also qualify for certain discounts using a dependent ID card.

A military dad in camo pants helps his children on their iPad

A small military family laugh together while watching TV on the couch

Military Streaming Discounts

 
Several TV streaming services offer military discounts to keep you and your family entertained no matter where you are, with top offers including:
  Additionally, the Armed Forces Network recently launched AFN NOW — its very own streaming app — to make it easier than ever for service members to stream shows, sports, news, and movies. Launched in 2022, the streaming service gained more than 100 new users per day and averaged 10,000 hours of streaming per week within its first year. Plus, some streaming services may also offer subscription discounts on Veterans Day.

FAQs

What is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?
 
The SCRA is a federal law that protects active-duty military members by allowing them to cancel service contracts, like Internet, TV, and mobile, without penalty when relocating under official orders.
Does the SCRA apply to Internet and cable providers?
Yes. The law covers telecommunications services, including Internet, cable, satellite TV, and cell phone plans.
What do I need to cancel a contract under the SCRA?
You typically need a copy of your official military orders and a written request to cancel. Check with your provider for specific requirements.
Will canceling service under the SCRA hurt my credit?
No. As long as your cancellation follows SCRA guidelines, your credit should not be affected by any early termination or payment delay.
Can I transfer my Internet service when I move?
Yes. If your current provider offers service at your new address, you can typically transfer it with no fees. SmartMove helps you check availability and complete the move online.
What if my provider doesn’t service my new location?
If your provider isn’t available where you’re moving, SmartMove can help you compare new options and set up service with a different company.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still available?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal initiative that helped eligible households, including some military families, save on Internet service with monthly discounts and device subsidies. However, the ACP program is no longer active and is not accepting new applications.

If you previously enrolled in ACP, your benefits may continue for a limited time, but no new applicants can join.

For ongoing support, many Internet providers offer military and veteran discounts, waived fees, and flexible contract options to help active-duty service members and veterans stay connected during moves or deployments. Be sure to ask your provider about current offers that can help reduce your monthly Internet costs.
Can I cancel my contract without a fee if I'm relocating?
If you're an active-duty military member with PCS orders, the SCRA may allow you to cancel service without early termination fees.
What tools does SmartMove offer to help with moving?
You can use SmartMove to check ISP availability at your new address, compare Internet and TV options, test your connection speed, and use tools like our streaming calculator.
Does SmartMove charge a fee to use its tools or services?
No! SmartMove is completely free to use. It connects you with participating Internet and TV providers at no extra cost.

Helpful Resources

Maximizing Military Discounts: How to Save on Internet and TV When You Move

Learn about some of the most popular discounts and promotions for Internet, TV, and phone available to active duty military, veterans, and their families.

Read More

WHICH BROADBAND INTERNET SERVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?

Get Connected

Enter the address where you'd like your Internet service.

See My Provider
Or give us a call: 1.877.298.8998
Find a Provider