New rules for broadband switching in UK

Broadband users in the UK will no longer be charged for switching broadband suppliers following new rules that came into force today.

In principle, a MAC (Migration Authorisation Code), or alphanumeric identifier, will now be given to customers by the ISP they’re leaving without any hold ups, and that code can then be passed on to their new service provider. Broadband suppliers that charge their clients for switching will face penalties from Ofcom.

In December last year Ofcom revealed that 83 percent of UK internet users found it easy to switch service providers. However, the regulator still felt too many people were experiencing disruption to their service and so pushed ahead with the new plans to force ISPs to help customers switch.

Steve Weller, head of communication services at comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com, said: “The 234,000 consumers switching broadband every month have a right to do so simply and free of charge.”

uSwitch said while it’s pleased Ofcom is attempting to resolve the MAC code issues, it feels some problems have yet to be addressed. (Full News Source)