Cancel Earthlink: Easy Method

What is Earthlink

Overview

EarthLink is an internet service provider offering home and small-business internet services, including legacy offerings from NetZero and upgraded fibre services in some areas.

The company provides customer support, billing, and equipment (such as routers) and operates under terms and help-centre policies available online.

Service scope

EarthLink’s public documentation focuses on service terms, cancellations, returns, and billing procedures rather than local New Zealand pricing details.

Some EarthLink processes (cancellations, refunds, equipment returns) follow standard US-based workflows and help articles linked from their support sites.

How to cancel Earthlink

Accepted cancellation methods

• EarthLink does not accept cancellations by email alone. Acceptable methods include voice call or a written request sent by fax or mail.
• Web cancellation is not explicitly supported in EarthLink documentation; do not rely solely on web forms unless you receive a confirmation Case ID.

Step-by-step cancellation process

• Prepare your account number, desired cancellation date, and the date of your cancellation request.
• Call EarthLink for voice cancellation. The representative will verify your identity, offer retention (save) options, confirm the inactivation date, disclose any early termination fees, and then issue a Case ID (confirmation number).
• Alternatively, send a written request by fax or mail that includes your account number, desired cancellation date, request date, and a signature (handwritten signature recommended).
• Keep the Case ID or any mailed/faxed confirmation. Written requests missing required elements may prompt a follow-up phone call.
• For legacy NetZero/EarthLink procedures, customers were instructed to call 1-800-719-14660 and obtain a confirmation of cancellation by fax or mail; keep this confirmation for your records.

What happens when you cancel

Service termination timing

When a cancellation is accepted, EarthLink typically terminates service at the end of the current billing period unless another inactivation date is agreed during the cancellation call.

Confirm the exact termination date with the representative and keep the Case ID as proof of the agreed date.

Account handling and equipment

Billing may continue through the end of the billing period and any outstanding charges (activation, early termination fees) remain payable per your contract.

EarthLink requires return of rented equipment (routers). Failure to return equipment within specified windows can trigger non-return fees.

Will I get a refund?

General refund rules

EarthLink’s Activation Fee is non-refundable. Customers are responsible for the activation fee and the first monthly invoice.

Unused data in the first month is not refundable; unused data after the first month may be refunded per EarthLink billing policy.

Equipment and timing exceptions

• Refunds for router returns: refunds are processed about 7 days after the router is received and processed.
• If a router is not returned within 30 days, a non-returned-router fee is charged. Returns made between days 31 - 50 may have the non-returned-router fee refunded if the device is returned in good condition.
• Refunds are issued back to the original payment method: credit card (often immediate or within 3 days), bank draft/check (may be held ~20 days), or prepaid card (possible but only if the physical card still exists).

Earthlink plans and pricing

Availability of New Zealand pricing

No publicly available EarthLink service pricing in New Zealand (NZD) was found for 2024/2025 in EarthLink’s public resources.

Sources located were either from other countries or lacked NZ-specific pricing details; therefore NZ prices are not listed on EarthLink sites.

Typical plan categories

EarthLink offers a variety of plan categories globally (for example: DSL, fiber, wireless), but NZ-specific plan names and prices are not publicly listed.

Your consumer rights in New Zealand

Statutory protections

EarthLink documentation does not state a specific 14-day cooling-off period or automatic statutory refund right in New Zealand.

For defective services or significant misrepresentation, New Zealand consumers generally rely on local consumer protection laws such as the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act.

Practical guidance

• Document all communications (dates, names, Case ID) to support any dispute under NZ consumer law.
• If you believe services are defective or misrepresented, consider contacting NZ consumer protection authorities or seeking independent advice on your rights under local law.

Customer experiences

Positive feedback

Many customers praise EarthLink installers and technicians as knowledgeable, professional, and punctual - especially for fibre installs.

Some reviewers also commend friendly and clear customer-service interactions with no hidden costs reported in positive cases.

Negative feedback

Common complaints include billing errors, being charged after cancellation, and long refund delays (reports of 6 - 8 weeks in some cases).

Customers also report difficulties obtaining cancellation confirmation, missed installation appointments, and frustrations with equipment return policies and hidden early cancellation fees.

Documentation checklist

Essential items to prepare

• Account number (exactly as shown on invoices).
• Desired cancellation date and the date you submit the request.
• Handwritten signature on mailed or faxed cancellation requests (if possible).

Helpful supporting items

• Copies/screenshots of recent bills, service agreements, and any prior cancellation requests.
• Tracking or proof of return for routers or other equipment; keep receipts and serial numbers.
• Case ID or confirmation number from EarthLink voice or written confirmation.

Common mistakes

Relying on email alone

Many users assume email will cancel their service. EarthLink does not accept cancellations by email alone, so relying on email can leave your account active and billed.

Always follow up with an accepted method (phone, fax, or mail) and obtain a Case ID.

Not returning equipment or missing required details

Failing to return routers within the required window commonly results in non-return fees and delayed refunds.

Sending written cancellations missing account number, dates, or signature may trigger follow-up calls and delay processing.

Comparative recap

Quick comparison

The following table summarises key cancellation and refund characteristics for EarthLink versus general expectations from other ISPs.

After cancelling

What to keep

Keep the Case ID, any confirmation letters, proof of equipment return, and a copy of your cancellation request for at least several months.

Monitor your bank or card statement for any unexpected charges after the cancellation date and be ready to dispute them with your Case ID.

Helpful links

• EarthLink Terms and Conditions
• EarthLink Cancellation Policy (KB)
• EarthLink Billing FAQ
• Legacy NetZero/EarthLink cancellation guidance

Address

Mailing address (US)

EarthLink

1375 Peachtree St., Level A, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Notes on mailing from New Zealand

No New Zealand-specific postal address for cancellations was found; the available mailing address appears to be in the USA and is likely used for written cancellation requests.

If you mail a cancellation from New Zealand, include all required details, use tracked postage, and consider international postage times and costs. Keep copies and proof of posting.