Guide to changing broadband provider
If you are looking to change broadband providers please follow these simple steps - the process of changing broadband provider is relatively straight-forward but please read our notes further below if you need clarification.
4 Steps to changing broadband provider
- Research the broadband options for the cheapest deals, fastest broadband, or biggest monthly downloads (see our top10 table for the most popular broadband deals on Mac Broadband)
- Contact your existing broadband provider and ask them for a MAC code (remember they may offer you a better deal if you agree to stay with them - bare this in mind)
- Use our broadband adsl provider details to go to your chosen provider’s website & enter the MAC code you have been issued at sign-up (always easiest doing this online)
- Wait a week. Your broadband should be transfered in 7-10 days (if you have any problems then you can always contact Ofcom to complain
Things of note.
The government agency - Ofcom - has put in a migration process which is intended to make changing broadband provider simple. That is the plan anyway.
The major thing to remember is - if you are intending to switch broadband provider - DO NOT cancel your connection with your current provider, use a MAC code to change provider.
Also, check the length of the contract with your existing broadband provider - they may try and get you to pay the monies you would owe right up to the end of your contract.
What is a MAC code?
A Migrations Authority Code (or MAC code) is a code that allows you to migrate from broadband provider to another. The MAC code system was set up at the request of Ofcom to make it easier for UK consumer broadband providers (that is you and us then) to switch ISP when we want to save ourselves some money or have been receiving bad customer service - whatever your reason the MAC code process is designed to make things run more smoothly.
The main thing to know it DON’T just cancel your broadband connection with your existing provider - instead ‘migrate’ using the MAC system and you will save yourself a lot of agro. Instead, let your new ISP do everything for you - just ring up your existing ISP and ask them for a MAC code (they have to give you one by law). The MAC code lasts for 30 days after it has been allocated. You need to switch broadband provider in this 30 day window or apply for a new MAC code from your existing internet provider.
Note: the MAC process does not at this time apply to broadband companies providing internet connections via cable (eg. Virgin Media). You do not need a MAC code if you don’t currently have broadband - it is only needed for switching broadband
Contact numbers for changing broadband
Telephone numbers have been taken from the AOL website. If you can not find your broadband provider’s number here then you will need to contact them directly via their customer service telephone number.
- BT Broadband - 0800 085 6161
- Carphone Warehouse TalkTalk - 0800 049 0049
- Clara.net - 0845 355 2000
- Demon - 0800 027 0582
- Eclipse - 0845 1224 111
- Madasafish - 0844 395 0830
- Nildram - 0800 197 1474
- One.Tel - 0845 818 8000
- Orange Wanadoo - 0870 010 2462
- Pipex - 0845 077 2537
- PlusNet - 0845 140 0200
- Sky Broadband - 08700 248 900
- Tiscali - 0800 107 9000
- Toucan - 0800 0613 615
- Virgin.net - 0845 045 1303
- Waitrose - 0800 013 2282
How long does it take to change ISP?
It shouldn’t take longer than 7-10 days to change broadband provider. When you ring your existing ISP (internet service provider) they should be able to give you an indication of how long it takes to migrate away from them. When you quote your MAC code to your new broadband provider they too should be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take things to set up with them.
Your new internet provider should be able to stop your old broadband provider from taking more payments from your bank account - watch out though, they can be a little clumsy and accidentally take an over payment so watch your bank account.
