Your right to cancel is federal law
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act gives active-duty service members the right to terminate certain consumer contracts — including telephone, internet and television service — without penalty when they receive qualifying orders for a permanent change of station or a deployment of a defined length.
This is a legal right, not a courtesy the provider extends. It generally requires written notice and a copy of your orders, and the provider cannot charge an early termination fee once you have properly invoked it.
This section describes the general shape of the law. It is not legal advice, and if a provider refuses a properly made request it is worth speaking to your installation's legal assistance office, which handles this routinely and at no cost.
What discounts exist
Most large internet and television providers operate a military discount, and most do not advertise it prominently. What is offered varies, but the common forms are:
- A monthly discount on internet or mobile service, often per line.
- Waived installation and activation fees.
- Waived equipment charges, or a free upgrade tier.
- The ability to suspend service during deployment rather than cancelling and losing your pricing.
- Extended promotional pricing on re-signing after a move.
Eligibility usually covers active duty, reserves, National Guard, veterans and often military families, though which of those qualify differs by provider. Verification is normally through a third-party service and takes a few minutes.
Moving on PCS orders
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1
Check whether your provider serves the new address
If they do, transferring is usually simpler and cheaper than cancelling, and often preserves your promotional rate.
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2
If they do not, invoke your cancellation right in writing
With a copy of your orders, to the address they specify for notices. Do not rely on a phone call alone.
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3
Ask about suspension rather than cancellation for deployments
Many providers will hold an account for a deployment period at little or no cost, which preserves your pricing and avoids new-customer setup on return.
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4
Return equipment and keep the receipt
Unreturned-equipment charges are the most common thing that follows people to a new duty station.
On-base and privatised housing
Housing on many installations has an exclusive or preferred provider arrangement, which limits your choice regardless of what is available in the surrounding area. Ask the housing office before ordering anything, and before assuming a provider you researched will be available.
Where a choice does exist, the practical questions are the same as anywhere: what reaches the specific building, what the price is after any promotion, and whether a contract would survive your next set of orders.