| So you want to switch broadband provider. But | | | | Things have been made a little easier by OFCOM |
| how can you do it? | | | | who have introduced a mandate called the GC22 |
| Which? the consumer watchdog has carried out a | | | | which requires all providers to send a migration |
| new survey into switching broadband providers | | | | authorisation (MAC) code within 5 days of |
| and any problems those switching may | | | | request. |
| experience. | | | | Whilst in theory it works the MAC code systems |
| The survey discovered that around half of those | | | | tends to work best when switching between |
| switching providers to get better broadband deals | | | | providers who offer a BT wholesale product. |
| experience some kind of problem whilst switchers | | | | Leaving a provider that provides its own phone |
| who found it difficult rose from 9% to 13%. | | | | line may mean that the user may have to take |
| Common problems discovered by Which? included | | | | on a BT phone line or make extra payments; all in |
| providers continuing to take payment, customers | | | | all switching broadband isn't as easy as it probably |
| being trapped in a contract and issues setting up a | | | | should be. |
| new connection which left a consumers without | | | | Despite potential problems a massive 78% still |
| internet for a number of months. | | | | found switching broadband providers relatively |
| Whilst 13% found it difficult to switch providers an | | | | easy and there are a couple of things that could |
| overwhelming majority found switching relatively | | | | make life a lot easier. |
| easy, a point Which?'s broadband expert is keen | | | | Checking any obligations in the broadband contract |
| to highlight, yet a warning has come from Which? | | | | before switching should prevent any hidden get |
| suggesting that advancing technology and differing | | | | out charges, and remember to request a MAC |
| infrastructures could make switching broadband | | | | code form your providers as they are required to |
| harder in the future. | | | | send it within 5 days and this can help make the |
| Currently a large proportion of providers offer | | | | switching process a lot easier. |
| either a bundled of unbundled package, unbundled | | | | Switching broadband providers definitely has its |
| being a provider that provides broadband via its | | | | pitfalls but anyone thinking of switching shouldn't |
| own phone lines via its own telephone exchanges, | | | | be put off as massive savings and improved |
| whilst bundled providers provide broadband via | | | | speeds can be achieved by switching broadband |
| exchanges it shares/rents from BT. | | | | suppliers. |
| Other types of broadband such as mobile/satellite | | | | Also remember to check you current contract |
| broadband and cable providers all have their own | | | | before switching. The cost of moving should be |
| infrastructure and switching between two such as | | | | factored in if you're planning on moving soon and |
| Sky or Virgin can be full of pitfalls. | | | | considering is Sky HD worth it. |