Can You Suspend or Pause Your TV & Internet Service During Deployment?

It can be a challenge for military service members to manage common household services like TV and Internet when deployed. Depending on your provider and length of deployment, you can cancel your contract — but you may incur early termination fees. However, if you expect to be deployed for more than a few months, it's easier to pause or suspend your plans so that all your current services will be ready for you when you return.

In this guide, we will cover how active duty military personnel can temporarily suspend their TV and Internet services during deployment to avoid unnecessary costs and headaches.

The Difference Between Suspension, Pausing, and Canceling

What’s the difference between suspending, pausing, or canceling your services? Let’s break each one down to understand how it relates to your deployment:

Suspension vs. Pausing vs. Canceling

• Suspension: Suspension halts your services temporarily, including phone service, TV, and Internet, while keeping your account number active. It's ideal for long-term deployments or extended periods away from home where you want to ensure your account remains active and ready for resumption without extra charges or penalties. This is a great option if you're unsure of your return date or need to keep your number and account intact.
• Pausing: Pausing offers a shorter and more flexible break in service, typically without the need to change your device payment schedule or contract. This option is best suited for shorter absences, such as vacations or short-term assignments, where you know you'll be back within a few weeks or months. Pausing allows you to temporarily halt services while maintaining your existing payment plan and contract terms.
• Canceling: Canceling terminates all of your services, which could result in losing promotional rates and may involve early termination fees, especially if your deployment is less than 90 days. This option is the right choice if you don’t plan to return or if you're switching to another provider. However, it's important to be aware of any potential fees and the permanent nature of this decision, making it best suited for those with more permanent changes in their situation.

Why Suspension or Pausing Works Best for Deployment

Whether you’ve just received deployment orders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, etc., suspending or pausing your services can be a smooth and particularly useful process during short-term PCS relocations and active duty assignments. Both of these options can keep your costs low, maintain continuity of service, and help you avoid the hassle of re-connecting your services when you return home.

TV and Internet Providers That Offer Suspension Options

The good news is there are plenty of providers that allow service members to pause or suspend services for a short period of time. However, it’s important to note that costs can vary (even for the same provider) depending on state laws. Providers include:

Spectrum

If you’re being deployed for two to nine months, you may be eligible to place your Spectrum account in Seasonal Status for a small monthly fee. The exact fee can vary depending on several factors, such as your location and the services included in your plan.

Spectrum offers the following options:

• Seasonal Plus, which includes home security and smart home devices.
• Seasonal Basic, which does not include home security and smart devices.

Once you return home, you won’t need to schedule a technician to reinstall your services. You can simply resume ‘normal status’ with a quick phone call.

Cox

For an additional $9.99 /month (per service paused), civilians and military personnel can use the Cox Seasonal program to suspend their services (including TV, Internet access, and phone service) for up to nine months. This is ideal for those with short deployments who want their services available as soon as they return home.

Comcast Xfinity

Starting at $8 /month, U.S. military service members can enroll in Xfinity’s Seasonal Convenience Plan. This allows you to pause your home Internet, phone service, and TV plans for 90 to 270 days in a calendar year without incurring penalties. It’s important to note that pausing Internet services with Xfinity can potentially cost an additional $29.95 /month.

General Steps to Pause or Suspend Services

Every provider is different, but pausing your Internet and TV services typically requires the following steps:

1. Contact your provider via telephone number or live chat.
2. Review the terms and conditions of your account suspension agreement to ensure you understand the monthly fee structure and when your service will come back online.
3. Contact your provider when you return home to resume services.

If you’re unable to suspend your TV or Internet, you may be eligible to cancel your services without termination fees via the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, also known as The Military Clause. However, you’ll need to provide supporting military deployment documentation and meet certain criteria to do so.

Are There Fees Involved With Suspending or Pausing Your Service During Short Military Deployments?

For the most part, providers that offer seasonal plans or allow temporary suspension charge a small fee per service you intend to suspend. However, some companies may waive or reduce fees for military service members. It’s recommended that you review your provider’s FAQs and speak with a customer service representative to understand potential costs and enrollment requirements.

Alternatives to Suspending Your Service

Sometimes, both service suspension and cancellation are unfeasible. If you can’t entirely suspend your services for eligibility reasons or because you have a loved one visiting while you’re away, there are alternatives to consider:

Downgrading Service Plans

Switching your plan(s) to the most basic options can be more affordable than cancellation fees or paying for premium services while you’re away. Downgrading your service typically just requires a phone call or logging into your online account and making changes accordingly.

Using Mobile Services as an Alternative

Suppose you’re going to be deployed for a short time but can’t suspend your services. In that case, it can be helpful to utilize Wi-Fi hotspots or your smartphone on a temporary basis to manage your Internet needs during deployment.

Exploring Short-Term or Flexible Plans

Most providers offer short-term or flexible plans that are designed to accommodate the needs of frequent travelers, including TV and Internet plans for military service members. These plans often include features that allow for short-term pauses without penalties. Contact your provider to learn more.

How SmartMove Can Help You Find the Right TV & Internet Provider

Whether you’re in the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, or any other U.S. military branch, we’re here to help you and your family members navigate the complexities of service contracts during deployment. Check out some of our guides for service members below:

• What Military Families Should Look For in a Mobile Phone Plan
• Best Mobile Apps For Military Families to Stay Connected During Deployments
• Moving Tips for Military Service Members
• Useful Resources For Military Members and Their Families

Ready to find the best TV and Internet plans for military members? Fill in your details below and get connected with the best service providers in your area today.