Unfortunately all too many customers don’t look into switching broadband provider once they’re settled in on a package simply because they’re worried about the procedure, or dazzled by the amount of choice on offer.
The good news is that switching broadband provider is, in theory, not that hard! With a short checklist to run through, you could be on your way to getting yourself a better deal in no time.
Here are the Broadband Genie top three tips for switching providers:
1. Check terms and conditions
Chances are you signed up to a contract when your broadband was installed. If so, check your terms and conditions and keep an eye out of cancellation policies and charges. If you are in a 12-month contract, you may find the cancellation fee a deterrent to switching. Once the initial 12 months is up most providers ask for one month’s notice.
2. Request a MAC code
Under new rules, ISPs now have a five-day time limit on supplying customers with a migration authorisation code (MAC), a digit that allows broadband users to switch provider smoothly. Ciaron Dunne from Broadband Genie gives this advice: “If you have decided to switch broadband provider call your current provider and ask for a MAC code. They may take this opportunity to try and persuade you not to leave by offering a better deal, so listen carefully and work out if this is enough to make you want to stay.”
3. Search for a new provider
Use Broadband Genie’s search and comparison tools to find a better, cheaper or friendlier broadband service. The main things to consider when comparing broadband services include Price, Speed, Download caps and Bundles. Also take the time to hunt around and see if there are currently any offers available. For example, Orange Broadband currently has two main packages on offer for the home user that includes all evening and weekend landline calls. With their Home Starter package you now pay £6 a month for the first 3 months (normally £12 a month), or £7 a month for the first 3 months with any 18 or 24-month mobile plan. With their Home Max package £12 a month for the first 3 months (normally £24) they’ll also thrown in an Orange Livebox, a device which gives you wireless connectivity, allows you to make calls via the internet for free international calls, and also gives you the opportunity to plug in your Xbox or PlayStation 2 console to play games online.
For more helpful advice on switching your broadband provider visit www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/
Notes to editors
Broadband Genie allows users to compare broadband online, and is part of Genie Group.
Genie Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of internet comparison shopping services in the UK, and was set up in 2004 by Philip Wilkinson (co-founder of Kelkoo UK). Genie Group's unique selling point is 'the Genie', which makes personal recommendations to internet shoppers based on ground-breaking, intelligent technology. This gives Genie Group the ability to provide an enjoyable and satisfying internet shopping experience, and deliver an unmatched quality of sales leads to our affiliate merchants. Genie Group launched its flagship broadband comparison service Broadband Genie in January 2005.
More information can be found at http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk . Please direct all media enquiries to Ciaron Dunne. Interviews with Philip Wilkinson can be arranged on request.
