Guide To Changing Your Broadband Provider

Changing Broadband Provider

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 deal 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, & the timeframes involved.

Is It Easy To Change Broadband Provider?

The good news is that changing 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.

However, Ofcom has been receiving an increasing number of complaints from consumers who are unable to get their MAC code from the ISP they wish to leave. As a result Ofcom is making the issuing of a MAC code part of the regulations governing providers. From 14 February 2007 broadband suppliers will be 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 & Conditions

Read through the cancellation policy and find out any cancellation charges that may apply. If you're still in a 12 month contract, you may find the cancellation charge outweighs the benefit of switching supplier.

Step 2 - Contact Your Current Provider & 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.

Step 3 - Use Our Broadband Provider Comparison Page to choose your new Broadband provider & deal.

Step 4 - Sign Up Online With Your New Provider & 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.