Quick answer: Start reviewing your Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) contract 4 to 6 months before it ends. Check the end date and notice terms, whether the bandwidth still fits how you work today, the SLA and support you actually received, your static IPs and your backup set-up. Then compare offers from at least 3 Tier-1 carriers before you sign again. If switching carrier means new fibre to your building, delivery can take 8 to 16 weeks, so an early start keeps every option open.
Most DIA, leased line and Metro-E contracts in Malaysia run for 12, 24 or 36 months. A lot changes in that time: more online applications, more video calls, more staff, CCTV, a second site. Renewal is the one point in the contract when it is simplest to change bandwidth, term, design or carrier. Many businesses let the line roll over without a review. This checklist helps you use that window properly. New to DIA? Start with what is Dedicated Internet Access (DIA).
When to start: a renewal timeline
| Before contract end | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6 to 4 months | Find the contract and service schedule. Note the end date, renewal terms and notice period. Pull usage and fault records for the last 6 to 12 months. |
| 4 to 3 months | Write down what you need for the next term (bandwidth, SLA, static IPs, backup, other sites). Ask for a side-by-side comparison, including your current carrier. |
| 3 to 2 months | Decide: renew, renegotiate or switch. If you switch, place the order now: about 4 to 6 weeks for a building already on the carrier’s network, 8 to 16 weeks where new fibre is needed. |
| Last month | Give notice in the form your contract requires (if you are leaving). Install and test the new line before the old one is switched off. |
For the steps between order and go-live, see our DIA installation timeline checklist.
The DIA renewal checklist: 10 things to review
- End date, renewal and notice terms. Check whether the contract renews automatically, how much notice you must give and in what form (letter, email, portal). Put the notice deadline in your calendar now.
- Bandwidth against real use. Look at peak usage, not the monthly average, and check upload as well as download, because DIA is symmetrical. If the line is regularly full at busy hours, size up. Our DIA bandwidth sizing guide walks through it.
- The SLA you have against the SLA you need. Read the service schedule: the uptime commitment, the repair time (MTTR) and whether service credits are paid when the target is missed. If an hour offline now costs more than it did two years ago, the SLA should reflect that. See DIA SLAs in Malaysia explained.
- Your fault and support record. How many outages did you have, how long did each last, and how quickly were tickets handled? Ask your carrier for the fault history on your circuit and compare it with your own notes.
- Static IP addresses. List how many fixed IPs you have and which systems depend on them: VPNs, firewall rules, remote access, and allowlists held by banks, suppliers or head office. Ask early whether your addresses can be kept, and if not, plan the changes before cut-over.
- Backup and resiliency. Does a single line still fit the business? Common options are DIA with business broadband failover on the same router, or two DIA lines from different carriers for the highest resilience. Read how to achieve near-zero internet downtime.
- Contract term. Longer terms usually lower the monthly rate; shorter terms keep you flexible. Match the term to your plans: an office lease ending, a move, or a new site.
- Upgrade and downgrade rules. Upgrades during the term are usually possible where the carrier’s infrastructure at your site supports them. Some carriers do not allow downgrades during the minimum contract period, so check before you commit.
- Other sites and private links. If you also run a leased line or Metro-E between offices, review it at the same time. Aligning end dates makes the next review simpler.
- One-time charges and equipment. Ask whether a change involves a one-time setup fee, or a fibre pull cost if your building is not yet on the new carrier’s network. Confirm who supplies and manages the router, and who holds the login credentials.
Renew with your current carrier, or switch?
| Renewing usually makes sense when… | Switching is worth a look when… |
|---|---|
| Your service record has been good and faults were fixed quickly | You had repeated outages or slow fault handling |
| The renewal offer holds up against a side-by-side comparison | You need more bandwidth and the offer at your site does not fit |
| Changing IP addresses or equipment would be disruptive right now | You want a second carrier for backup anyway |
Either way, a comparison gives you a clear benchmark for the renewal. If you do switch, plan a short overlap so the business is never without a line: keep the old service running until the new one is installed, tested and carrying traffic. For an overview of who sells DIA, see DIA carriers in Malaysia compared.
What to send us for a renewal comparison
- Site address (and any other sites)
- Current carrier, bandwidth and contract end date
- Number of static IPs you use today
- Any backup line, and the SLA you need
DACS arranges Dedicated Internet Access in Malaysia, leased lines and Metro-E. We compare at least 3 Tier-1 carriers for your address, recommend the best fit and handle the order, installation and handover.
Contract ending in the next 6 months? Get a competitive quote, or email info@dacs.com.my.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start reviewing my DIA contract before renewal?
About 4 to 6 months before the end date. That leaves time to compare offers and, if you switch, for installation, which takes about 4 to 6 weeks in a building already on the carrier’s network and 8 to 16 weeks where new fibre is needed.
Can I change my bandwidth at renewal?
Yes. Renewal is a natural point to resize the line. Upgrades depend on the carrier’s infrastructure at your site, so confirm availability for your address.
Will my static IP addresses change if I switch carrier?
They may. Ask both carriers early, and list every system that uses your current IPs, such as VPNs, firewall rules and partner allowlists, so they can be updated before cut-over.
Is a longer DIA contract cheaper?
Usually, per month. Contracts are commonly 12, 24 or 36 months, and longer terms usually lower the monthly rate, in exchange for less flexibility.
Does this checklist apply to leased lines and Metro-E too?
Yes. The same points apply: end date and notice, capacity, SLA, fault record, term and one-time charges. DACS can compare renewals for all three.
Related reading: DIA FAQ · DIA vs business broadband · DIA price guide · Business internet buyer’s guide
Last updated: 27 October 2026. Contract terms and lead times are general guidance from DACS guides; your carrier’s contract and service order apply for your address.