Tag: activation

When you’re driving, spotty cell coverage is a drag. Music, GPS, and calls just won’t go through. Here’s a quick guide to boosting your service no matter where the road takes you.

What about a travel pro tip if you prefer to fly to your destination? You can see which flights include the most legroom with the right tools. I tell all my tall friends about this trick. Tap or click here for the secret — it’s No. 5 on the list.

If you’re heading off for a long trip, spending time in a seasonal home, or otherwise away, here’s a smart way to save money: Pause your cable and internet. Yes, you can do this and keep many of your service’s perks.

Here’s why canceling isn’t your best option

When you’re going on an extended trip, there’s no reason to pay for internet service back home. You might think canceling and reactivating is the way to go. That’s a bad idea.

• You’ll often face a cancellation fee.
• Canceling your service is frustrating and takes time. You’ll likely be bombarded with questions about why you’re canceling and offers to keep you. And once you’re through with everything, you’ll have to take time to return equipment to your provider.
• You’ll often pay an activation fee to reactivate your previous service or sign up with a new one.
• Resuming service takes time, too. You’ll need to set up your plan, payment, and equipment.

The good news is many ISPs and cable/satellite providers allow you to pause your service, which is much more convenient. Below I gathered info on some of the biggest providers in the country. If you don’t see yours, check its website or call them.

NOTE: Before pausing any service, speak with a representative to ensure you won’t lose any special pricing or features. For example, if you’re on a price-for-life rate and pause your plan, you might lose that rate when you restart it. You don’t want to give up a great rate that you’re locked into to save a few bucks while on vacation.

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Comcast Xfinity

Xfinity’s Seasonal Convenience Plan lets you put your TV, internet, and voice services on hold while you’re away. You keep your equipment, phone number, and Comcast.net email address, which you can still access during the hold.

If you upgrade to Seasonal Internet Access, you’ll still be able to control your smart devices at home while you’re away, too. There’s no reconnection charge, and you won’t need a service call when you return.

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