Where to switch from Flets Hikari or ADSL? Compare with no construction and covered cancellation fees

For users of Flets ADSL, the first thing to check is the deadline and method for migrating the line. NTT East and NTT West's Flets ADSL services were fully discontinued as of January 31, 2025, so if you are still connected via ADSL, you will need to switch to another line such as an optical fiber line or a home router. Furthermore, if you are switching from Flets Hikari, the choice of plan varies greatly depending on whether construction work is required and how cancellation fees are handled.

ADSL Has Already Ended: Decide on a Migration Destination First

The end of ADSL service is a past, confirmed fact, and it is no longer possible to continue using ADSL. The options commonly cited as migration destinations are fiber-optic broadband and home routers. Many ADSL users also used a telephone line, so depending on the destination, you may need to check how the phone service is handled and whether equipment must be removed.

Basic Approach When Moving to Fiber-Optic Broadband

Moving to fiber-optic broadband involves different procedures depending on the type of line. ADSL has inherent speed limits compared with fiber-optic service, so for households that frequently watch video or join online meetings, the practical approach is to compare the speed and monthly fee of each destination side by side.

Home Routers as an Option

For those who want to avoid construction work, a home router is a candidate. It can be used simply by plugging it into an outlet, but communication quality varies with the building's location and congestion levels, so you should check the service area before using it.

Three Methods for Switching from Flets Hikari

Switching from Flets Hikari to another line can be broadly divided into three methods: "transfer (tenyo)," "provider change (jigyosha henko)," and "new contract (shinki keiyaku)." A transfer is the procedure for switching NTT's Flets Hikari to an optical collaboration provider (hikari correbo). Because the line stays the same, construction is often not required. A provider change means moving between optical collaboration providers and, similarly, may be possible without construction work. A new contract involves canceling the existing contract and then applying for a new line, so you need to plan the order carefully to avoid a gap in service.

Understanding Construction Fee Balances and Cancellation Fees

The costs of switching mainly consist of cancellation fees and the remaining balance of construction fees. Since the system revision in July 2025, the mechanisms for construction fee balances and cancellation fees differ in some respects from before, so it is important not to rely on outdated information.

How to Choose a Provider That Covers Cancellation Fees

Providers that offer to cover cancellation fees often do so by making up the amount with cash or points. For example, the idea is to offset the cancellation fee with a cashback from the new provider. What is easy to overlook here is that the reward may be split into several payments, and that in some cases you will not receive it unless you complete the procedures yourself.

The Conditions Behind "Cancellation Fee Coverage"

Even an amount that catches the eye in an advertisement can change in actual cost depending on the conditions for receiving it. If the payment comes several months later, or if you must submit documents such as a cancellation certificate, the out-of-pocket expense right after switching can temporarily be larger.

The Difference Between Free Construction Work and "No Contract Term"

Some optical fiber internet services that advertise "no contract term" not only have no contract period or cancellation fee, but also waive construction costs. However, how construction costs are handled differs by provider, so check the relevant sections of the contract and terms of service to confirm the fees that arise upon cancellation.

Order of Switching That Avoids a Gap in Service

The biggest problem when switching lines is the period when you have no internet access between canceling the old line and activating the new one. If you are using ADSL, the safest sequence is to secure the activation date of the new service first, and only then stop the old line.

1. Check your current contract holder name, contract renewal month, and whether any cancellation fee applies
2. Confirm whether you are on Flets Hikari or ADSL, and choose a migration method (transfer, provider change, or new contract)
3. Check whether installation work is required for the new service and its scheduled activation date
4. List the conditions for receiving any campaign benefits and the deadlines for the related procedures
5. Cancel the old line after the new line has been activated

Criteria for Deciding

If speed is your priority, fiber-optic internet is the likely choice; if you want to avoid construction work, a home router is the candidate. On cost, do not choose based solely on the amount of the cancellation fee. Instead, compare the timing and conditions for receiving benefits together with the costs of cancellation as a package.

Since the deadline for migrating from ADSL has already passed, it is realistic to avoid further delay and narrow your options to 2–3 providers by the end of this month.

Methodology: This review aggregates information from the brokers' official websites, publicly available registration information from regulatory authorities, and public data from independent review aggregators as confirmed as of 2026-10-19. The editorial team has never actually traded with the brokers under review. For our planned hands-on verification protocol, please see the Testing Methodology. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. This site may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Compensation does not influence broker rankings. For more details, see our Editorial Policy.

FAQ

When can I still use ADSL?

NTT East and NTT West's Flets ADSL service was fully discontinued on January 31, 2025. If you are currently connected via ADSL, you will need to switch to another line, such as optical fiber or a home router. If you delay the switch, you may lose the ability to communicate, so we recommend checking your destination provider and installation schedule early.

Can I switch from Flets Hikari without installation work?

When transferring within the same line or switching between optical collaboration providers, installation is often unnecessary because the line remains the same. However, there are exceptions depending on building facilities and contract details, so please check with your provider whether installation is required before applying. For new contracts, the handling of installation varies by provider.

Are optical line providers that cover cancellation fees really worth it?

Cancellation fee coverage is often provided in the form of cashback or points that offset the termination fee. However, benefits may be paid out in multiple installments, or the account holder may need to complete certain procedures. Comparing the payment timing and conditions will give you a clearer picture of your actual cost.

How can I avoid a gap in service when switching lines?

The basic approach is to confirm the start date of the new line first, and then cancel the old line. To make sure cancellation and activation do not overlap, it is reassuring to check the scheduled dates with your provider. Since ADSL has already been discontinued, early preparation for the switch is especially important.

What costs should I check before switching?

The main items are the cancellation fee and any remaining balance on installation fees. Because the system changed after the July 2025 revision, please check the latest contract documents or official notices rather than outdated information. Reviewing these alongside the conditions for receiving benefits will help you understand the total cost of switching.

Sources & Verification

This article was fact-checked on 2026-10-19. Key claims:

• "NTT East and NTT West's Flets ADSL service was fully terminated as of January 31, 2025" — verified via https://selectra.jp/telecom/fiber/adsl-after on 2026-10-19
• "There are three ways to switch fiber-optic internet providers: transfer (tenyo), provider change, and new contract. After the July 2025 system revision, the mechanics of remaining construction fee balances and cancellation fees are relevant" — verified via https://internet-guide.jp/hikari-norikae-kanzen-guide-2026/ on 2026-10-19
• "Optical collaboration (Hikari Collabo) services use the same NTT lines, so switching between Flets Hikari or between Hikari Collabo services may not require construction work" — verified via https://www.noiat.co.jp/liveli/flets-kaiyaku on 2026-10-19
• "Some fiber-optic providers that cover cancellation fees offset the previous provider's cancellation fees through cashback or point rewards" — verified via https://my-best.com/22476 on 2026-10-19
• "Flets Hikari cashback may be divided into multiple payments and may require the subscriber to complete procedures themselves" — verified via https://enechange.jp/articles/flets-cam on 2026-10-19
• "Some fiber-optic internet services with no contract lock-in have no contract period or cancellation fee, and waive construction fees" — verified via https://hikarial.co.jp/internet/hikari-fiber/fiber-internet-with-no-strings/ on 2026-10-19