Broadband Switching Guide

	Cheap Broadband Offers aims to help you choose the broadband package that most suits your needs. Therefore there are a number of useful guides which you will find helpful, such as the following guide to help you switch broadband provider. Switching broadband providers is now much easier and there are many advantages to changing broadband packages and trying out a new internet provider which are discussed below.		Helpful Guides: * Cheap broadband packages home page * Broadband packages: Summary of UK broadband packages * Broadband package comparison: View broadband package details * Web hosting guide: Comparison of web hosting packages * Managed hosting guide: Comparison of managed hosting packages * Broadband costs: Compare the costs of each broadband package

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	Broadband Switching Guide
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How to switch your broadband

Contact your current provider and request a MAC code to transfer (they may haggle with you to keep your business).
Remember not to cancel the old service.
Search for the best deal on www.cheapbroadbandoffers.co.uk, where you can compare the offers available and choose the most appropriate deal for you.
Just enter your MAC code When you sign up with your new provider.

Your service should be transferred smoothly in a about a week or so.

Why switch your broadband?

There are a number of reasons you would want to switch provider, including:

To take advantage of a special offer which could be a price offered for limited period or free hardware
To save money by switching to a lower cost package
To upgrade to a higher speed package such as 8mbps or even 24mbps
To upgrade to a package with optional extras that would appeal to you
To change to a provider with better service including customer and technical support and better performance
If a supplier or package comes highly recommended
Because customer service calls are too expensive, many providers now have a freephone number
If your fed up of your current provider
Because it has recently been made easy and there is no disruption to your service
To try something new or all of the above!!

Click here to compare broadband provider prices and broadband details

Switching Provider Explained

If you are already have broadband then you can change your service by migrating (i.e. switching), transferring your service or upgrading.
Migrating (or switching) is where you move from one broadband provider to another. To do this you provide your new broadband provider with your MAC code which from your existing supplier.
This allows the transfer to be seamless, so you don't suffer any loss of service (therefore no downtime).

To migrate from one provider to another you need an active BT line and a modem which is compatible with an ADSL connection (this can be your existing modem, although most providers offer free routers or modems with their 12 month contracts).

Note transfer from ADSL to cable you will require a different type of cable running into your home (not your phone line). This transfer does not affect your existing phone service so you can keep your phone line and number.

When switching make sure you check the switcher specific special offers about, such as Eclipse Internet who offer 1 month free and Pipex who offer 2 months free if you don't take a free modem.

How to get your MAC code

Call your current provider to get your MAC code, the customer service department should be able to assist.
Alternatively you can use the list below, by finding your current supplier and using the appropriate number


AAISP	01344 400 999
AOL	0870 320 2020	Option 3
Brightview Internet Services Ltd	0207 665 3000
BT Total Broadband	0800 800 150
Bulldog	0800 404 8151	1 then 2
Care4free	0870 160 9901
Community Internet	01865 856 170
Dark Marketing Ltd	0870 742 4455
Demon (a brand of THUS plc)	0845 272 2333	Option 4
Dial Start	0870 160 1385
Easynet	0845 333 4600
Eclipse Internet	0845 1224 111
EFHBroadband.com	0808 156 4776
Entanet	0871 433 3682
Fast.co.uk	0870 881 3278
freenetname	0870 909 0586
Global Internet	0870 909 8100	Option 3
ic24	0870 160 1381
Internet Central	01782 667766	Option 3
InterViVo Networks Ltd	0845 345 9234
LCC Communications Ltd	0870 242 7443
Madasafish	0870 160 1386
Metronet	0870 284 0284
Netplan Internet Solutions	0870 751 8345	Option 3
Nildram (Accent UK)	08701 608 600
ntl Freedom	0800 052 2000	Option 3
PIPEX Internet	0845 077 8324	Option 3
Sky Broadband	08705 515 515
Spitfire	0207 501 3030
Telefonica UK	0870 753 0900
Totalise	0870 160 9905
Tiscali	0845 077 4488	Option 1
Uniworld	0845 458 4510
Virgin	www.virginmedia.com
VNL	0207 348 4000
Waitrose.com	0800 980 0018	Option 2
Wanadoo UK plc	0870 0102 462	Option 2
Zen Internet	0845 058 9000	Option 3

Why switching is now easier

In April 2006 Ofcom announced that it would examine the effectiveness of existing processes which enable consumers to sign up to, and switch between, broadband providers.
It found that in the majority of cases these processes are effective and ensure that customers do not experience problems. However, where problems do arise they tend to be serious and disruptive to the end customer.

Ofcom has received complaints from consumers who found it difficult to obtain a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) from their current supplier. A MAC is required to switch broadband providers, without a MAC, consumers find it more difficult to change provider.

The biggest problem that the customer faces is that they can be without a broadband connection while there current service is ceased and the new service provided, this amount of time varies and can be up to a few weeks, which is not ideal for anyone that realies on their broadband connection.

The MAC process is part of a voluntary industry initiative. This means that providers who make it difficult for their customers to obtain a MAC are unlikely to be in breach of any formal obligations, limiting Ofcom's ability to take action to protect consumers.

Ofcom therefore proposes to introduce new regulations that will apply to all providers of telecommunications services, which will make it mandatory for broadband service providers to supply customers with MACs on request and to comply with a specific process for doing so.

Ofcom will also work with the industry to develop a process for customers to obtain a MAC from another source if their own broadband provider is unable or unwilling to comply.

Ofcom has also received complaints from consumers who have tried to order a new broadband service, for example, when moving home, only to be told that they are unable to do so because there is already a broadband connection on that line.

Ofcom will work with broadband suppliers to resolve the technical and organisational issues which currently prevent some users from switching providers or signing up to broadband services.

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