This is a 12 digit code that you need to obtain from your current provider. Because you have used a MAC code you should have little or no disruption to your service.
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More and more people are switching broadband providers to find a better deal, service, or because they just fancy a change. With the broadband market at its most competitive since it started, this is definitely the year of the switcher. Because of new rules from Ofcom that makes it easier for consumers to switch, the whole process has become a lot easier and now benefits the consumer and not the internet service provider (ISP).
There are many reasons why people want to switch broadband providers. Remember that you have probably signed a 12 month contract with your provider and will have to pay a fee if you want to end your contract early. For more details check the terms and conditions of your contract or give their helpline a phone.
With the development of new data transfer technology, broadband speeds in the UK are on the increase. It was not long ago that we were amazed with speeds of 8Mbps, but now you can get broadband speeds of 20Mbps+. This is great news for heavy internet users who are taking advantage of streaming video and large downloads.
The competitive nature of the market means that there are many great deals around for consumers to take advantage of. Prices have dropped considerably and you can make sizeable monthly savings on like for like broadband by switching to another ISP. Switching to another broadband provider is usually free because most ISPs will cover the costs of changing your line over to get your business.
Most broadband providers offer customers bundle deals, such as phone, TV, mobile and broadband, to save you money on your monthly bills. Some companies also give away free wireless hardware, software (such as antivirus and anti-spyware) and other extras to try and sweeten the deal and stand out from the crowd.
Different ISPs will offer different features to try and tempt you to their service. These could be no monthly download limits, unlimited calls to landlines, free wireless minutes, software packages etc.
Now that switching has become easier, customers don't have to put up with bad customer service and poor reliability of their connection. This is a good thing for the broadband industry in general as ISP will make reliability and a user's experience a key part of their service.
Ofcom's rules on switching broadband providers came into effect on 14 February 2007. The rules now force all net service providers to issue Migration Authorisation Codes (MAC) within five days of being asked and free of charge. A MAC code is a unique identifier for each phone line that enables the smooth switchover from one ISP to another. Before the new Ofcom rules there were many horror stories about ISPs refusing to issue MAC codes and making the whole switching process as difficult as possible. Ofcom now has the power to investigate and impose heavy fines on ISPs that breach the new code.
Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) is where a ISP installs their own equipment in the BT exchange. This is used to provide faster speeds, but it can be a problem when switching to a provider that doesn't use LLU. When you switch from LLU you can often suffer some downtime. To switch you use the same process as mentioned above, but sometimes you can't take advantage of switching offers because you have to return to the BT network and then signup to a new package. You may also be charged a setup fee for your new connection, but this is down to individual ISPs. To find out more contact your current provider and also the supplier you want to switch to.
When you want to switch to a cable broadband service all the equipment and setup should be done by the cable provider. There is no direct way to switch as you will be using a different type of system (cable) instead of your phone line. You still need to give your current ISP notice that you are cancelling your contract and make sure you have got a date from the cable company because it can take a number of days to install. You can run your BT line and cable line simultaneously so you can keep using you ADSL broadband until your cable broadband is installed.
Sometimes it can be easier to upgrade your broadband service with your current provider rather than going through the switching process. Most ISPs will let you upgrade throughout your contract period, so it is an easy way to get faster speeds without switching. To upgrade just contact your provider and request to change your package. Check the terms and conditions because some providers might make you start your minimum term contract again. Also, some cable companies state that you must have had your current package for a number of days before you can make any changes.
There can be some problems when you switch because ISPs charge you monthly. If you do get billed for your old service, just request a refund from them. If this fails follow their complaints procedure and keep any communications between you and them. If you still have problems you can contact the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman or the Communications & Internet Services Adjudication Scheme.
If you are signed up to a 12 month contract it is more than likely that you will have to pay a cancellation fee if you want to leave early. This can be anything from £50 to the remainder of your contract. To find out more contact your provider or read the terms of your contract.
You should be able to use your current broadband modem and filters if you are switching to another supplier. This could save you money when you switch because you won't have to pay for new equipment. Obviously, if you are switching to or from a cable service you will need new equipment, but this is usually supplied as part of the package.
Most ISPs won't let you use your old email addresses when you switch to another provider. The way to get around this is to signup to a free email service such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo.