Changing Broadband Provider
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As your contract with your existing broadband supplier is coming to an end, switching to a different provider represents a great opportunity to choose a better package that saves you money and also fulfils your requirements like speed, monthly cost & download limits.
Our guide to changing your broadband provider offers a simple 6 step approach to switching supplier, including information on the migration transfer system, MAC codes, ISP phone numbers for you to contact and the timeframes involved.
Is It Easy To Change Broadband Provider?
The good news is that switching broadband provider is a relatively straight forward process with up to 240,000 of us switching every month. Ofcom, the UK's telecommunications regulator, reports that 83% of those who moved supplier had experienced very little trouble.This percentage has increased following Ofcom's decision back in February 2007 to make the issuing of a MAC code part of the regulations governing providers. Broadband suppliers are now obliged to issue a MAC code to consumers on request and will also not be allowed to charge for it.
Here's Our 6 Step Approach To Changing Supplier:
Step 1 - Check Your Current Providers Terms and Conditions
Read through the cancellation policy and find out any cancellation charges that may apply. If you're still in a 12 or 18 month contract, you may find the cancellation charge outweighs the benefit of switching supplier.Step 2 - Contact Your Current Provider And Request A MAC Code - Do Not Cancel Your Account At This Stage
Your existing broadband supplier should give you the MAC code. This a transfer code, known as a 'migration authority code' that your new provider will need to transfer you. At this stage, please do not cancel your account with your current provider as this can sometimes result in broadband being cancelled on your phone line.We've compiled a list of phone numbers for the most popular broadband providers so you can contact them and get your MAC code straight away:
AOL - 0870 320 2020
Brightview Internet - 0207 665 3000
BT - 0800 404 8151
Clara.net - 0845 234 0712
Demon Internet - 0800 027 9190
Easynet UK Online Broadband - 0845 333 4600
Eclipse Internet - 0845 122 4111
Freedom2surf - 0870 242 3758
ic24 - 0870 160 1381
Madasafish - 0844 395 0830
Metronet - 0870 284 0284
Orange (Wanadoo) - 0870 010 2462
Pipex / Homecall - 0845 077 8324
Sky Broadband - 0870 551 5515
Talk Talk Broadband - 0870 444 1820
Telefonica UK - 0870 753 0900
Tesco - 0845 650 8000
The Utility Warehouse - 0871 222 7777
Tiscali - 0845 077 4488
Toucan - 0800 061 3615
UK Online - 0845 333 3322
Virgin.net - 0845 454 1111
Virgin Media (cable) - MAC code not required if switching from cable to phone line (adsl) broadband
Waitrose - 0800 188 884
Wanadoo - 0870 010 2462
Zen Broadband - 0845 058 9000
Step 3 - Use Our Broadband Comparison tools to choose your new Broadband provider and package or bundle.
Step 4 - Sign Up Online With Your New Provider And Give Them Your MAC Code During The Online Sign Up Process
The MAC code will be used to authenticate the migration request from your existing ISP to your new ISP and should make migration between suppliers much easier and quicker.Step 5 - Your Broadband Service Should Be Transferred In Two Weeks
Note, it's worth getting a date for the transfer of service from your new ISP.Step 6 - Cancel Your Account With Your Previous Provider
Once your connected with your new ISP, make sure the account with your old ISP has been cancelled so no further monthly payments are taken.Should you experience any difficulties in obtaining your MAC code from your current provider, its worth contacting the UK's telecommunications regulator, Ofcom with all the details.
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