Switching broadband gets easier

If you're looking to switch broadband providers, you'll be pleased to know the process is getting a whole lot easier from now on.

Last December, Ofcom, the industry regulator, imposed a new General Condition, GC22, "governing the obligations of broadband providers to customers who are seeking to migrate between DSL-based broadband services". GC22 came into force today, 14 February 2007.

This obliges all broadband providers to abide by the MAC (migration authorization code) system for switching broadband providers. Where the MAC process is not applicable (eg cable broadband) Ofcom says that "...communications providers are required to facilitate migration in a fair and reasonable manner, ensuring that migration is carried out within reasonable timescales and with minimal loss of service."

Previously, the MAC process was voluntary for ADSL broadband providers. In the MAC's favour, it worked well for most ADSL broadband switchers. The existing broadband provider would provide, on a consumer's request, a code that identifed their phone line. The consumer would then give this MAC to their new broadband provider. This would allow the new ISP to manage the changover, often reducing offline time during the switchover to only a few minutes.

Unfortunately as it was voluntary not every ISP provided MACs, and some switchers had to cancel one broadband contract, and be without any broadband at all until the entirely new broadband was set up. Not surprisingly many people simply didn't bother switching at all as the hassle factor was too much (not to mention the prospect of several days returning to dial up while waiting for the new broadband package to be set up!)

All broadband providers will now have to use MACs where applicable, and they have to give you a MAC within five days of you requesting it. They're not allowed to charge you anything for switching, either (though even after you switch they can still pursue you for cobntractual rights, so make sure you're out of the initial broadband contract when you start switching provider).

With so many cheap or superfast broadband deals around now it's not surprising that the clamour to improve the broadband switching process has grown. Now that the MAC process is compulsory, with large potential fines for breaching the conditions, switching broadband providers should become a whole lot easier for a lot of people.

If you want to switch, or simply to see if there's a better or cheaper broadband deal out there for you, visit my broadband comparision website UK Broadband Finder and find out about broadband availability in your area.

By the way, anyone still having problems switching broadband providers is encouraged to contact Ofcom - they can't investigate individual complaints about ISPs but they can build up a picture of trends, and if particular broadband suppliers keep popping up they can investigate then.

By Sarah, at UK Broadband Finder