Tales of woe include consumers waiting months to disconnect from their old Internet service provider (ISP), loss of service when switching and countless conversations with call centres thousands of miles away. Ofcom, the independent regulator for the communication industry, witnessed a growing number of complaints through out 2006. Their response has been to introduce new regulations to govern the industry effective from the 14th February 2007.
The current switching process requires the customer to obtain a reference from their current broadband supplier, called a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC), which is passed to the ISP they wish to switch to. This is designed to allow a seamless migration from one internet provider to another.
Currently there are no regulations requiring a broadband supplier to provide the MAC to a customer wishing to cancel. Some broadband providers currently adhere to the MAC Process. This is a voluntary code requiring that an ISP issues a MAC on request to a customer wishing to move to an alternative ISP. On receipt of the MAC it is the new internet provider’s responsibility to ensure a seamless transition without loss of service.
Ofcom’s new regulation will make it compulsory for all broadband providers to adhere to this process.
With the cost of broadband decreasing most broadband users could save money or upgrade to a superior package if they switch to a new broadband provider. Ofcom hopes that its new regulations will remove the headache from the switching process.
By being aware of how it works and what regulations are coming into play, you can be sure to hold your old and new ISP’s accountable for a smooth transition when you switch broadband providers for a better deal
