| For millions of broadband users who may be | | | | in just a few hours resulting in a temporary loss |
| tempted by a better deal from another provider, | | | | of internet. |
| the fear has always been that of being stuck in | | | | The only exceptions for refusal are as follows:o |
| an "internet-less limbo", waiting until their new | | | | The account holder does not comply with |
| service is switched on. | | | | standard checks by the ISPo A contract is |
| Thankfully, changes to the way switches take | | | | already terminatedo The MAC has already been |
| place have dramatically improved the situation. | | | | requestedo The ISP has already submitted a |
| On 14 February 2007, Ofcom introduced a code | | | | cease requesto The ISP is unable to obtain a |
| of conduct for moving between broadband | | | | MAC from ISP whom customer is switching to |
| service providers called the MAC Code of | | | | These rules were set by Ofcom, although, some |
| Conduct. | | | | broadband providers have been known to bend |
| If they wish to switch, broadband customers | | | | the rules just a little. |
| need a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC). The | | | | This has led some questions about whether some |
| Migration Authorisation Code is a 17 to 19-digit | | | | broadband service providers try and make it as |
| unique identifier code consisting of both letters and | | | | difficult as possible for you to switch. |
| numbers. | | | | Even though broadband providers must comply |
| MACs usually begin with "BBIP", "FTIP", "BBDS", or | | | | with the rules, most providers will try to convince |
| "BBDP", and consist of 4 letters, 7 numbers | | | | you to stay. They may question you about who |
| (sometimes up to 9), a forward slash, 2 letters, 2 | | | | you wish to move to and your reasons why and |
| numbers, and 1 final letter. | | | | single out comparisons between themselves and |
| Once requested, your internet provider should | | | | their competitor in an attempt to hold on to you |
| provide you the MAC code within 5 working days. | | | | as a customer. |
| This code will then be valid for 30 days in which | | | | In some cases they may offer you something in |
| the customer may switch broadband providers. | | | | return for your loyalty as a customer, for |
| While it should not take any longer than 10 | | | | example a free upgrade to a higher level of |
| working days to switch your broadband, there is | | | | service. |
| no set limit imposed on broadband providers to | | | | From your perspective, if you are satisfied with |
| switch you to a new provider and it can take up | | | | the level of service on offer from your existing |
| to 5 weeks. | | | | provider, it always makes sense to listen to any |
| Your internet service provider cannot refuse your | | | | offers that are made. |
| request for a MAC code and must not charge | | | | However, if you are determined to switch, you |
| you for the code either. This was introduced to | | | | should so - and the new MAC system should |
| help ease the process of switching your | | | | make it a lot easier to do so. |
| broadband and also allowing the switch to be done | | | | |