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Alex6756

lb375 wrote: »

My MAC is still not arrived after 7 working days after my request from BT. Are there anyone else having same problem of getting a MAC code? Would anyone give me some advices on how to obtain it?

Many thanks

Lijun

Re Question1: Yes - I have just spend more than 5 WEEKS trying to get a MAC code out of Virgin. I was with them for 2 years but the service deteriorated dramatically and I need good internet for work at home.

I kept getting delays and several phone calls and 3 letters later nothing - and they would not put me through to a supervisor either.

Re both questions: I wrote to my local Trading Standards detailing all the dates I'd contacted Virgin media (lots), sending Virgin a copy (still no reply from Virgin). Depending on how much you want to leave, it's as well to keep a note of any dates and times of calls, and copy letters if you can easily. I have recording equipment on my telephone too so I can record calls if necessary (gets one back at the company!!)

Trading Standards were nice - the guy said he thought Virgin were especially poor at providing MAC codes. But he told me it's a matter for OFCOM.

I wrote to OFCOM but it seems they don't take up individual complaints. However if you look at their website, it's pretty good at answering questions. Basically you have to make a complaint to the company which I think they said is under their Code of Practice. When I looked at Virgin's website I found a different address for complaints to the one I'd been given on the telephone.

After that there is nothing you can do for 12 WEEKS!!!! It sounds ridiculous. A company could make you wait nearly 12 weeks after you complain (which may not be for 1-2 months anyway) and still get away with it. This seems very wrong to me.

Apparently a company cannot legally withold a MAC code. After the 12 weeks you can go to an independant arbitrator which I believe was listed on the OFCOM website. I was even considering going to a solicitor myself as internet connection is important to me for work.

Anyway I wish you the best. I got my MAC code today. Wouldn't wish that stress on anyone (except maybe the people who caused it on me!)

saveumcowboy

I am interested in doing this. Could you tell me what a MAC code is please?

gcn504

saveumcowboy wrote: »

I am interested in doing this. Could you tell me what a MAC code is please?

You would need to be out of contract with your current ISP (Broadband provider) to be able to move supplier. If so, you would need to speak with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to request the MAC
MAC is an acronym of Migration Authorisation Code and is an individual 17-18 digit alphanumeric number. A MAC code can be issued by a broadband provider to help you switch to another supplier (usually within 6 to 10 days). When you sign up with your new broadband provider, your MAC code will have essential information they need to switch your broadband supply over to them (e.g. details of your phone exchange, type of line etc.)

saveumcowboy

Thank you. I am with Virgin at the moment and would have to change my phone line to BT so does that mean that I don't need a MAC code from virgin as it will be a new phone exchange?

gcn504

saveumcowboy wrote: »

Thank you. I am with Virgin at the moment and would have to change my phone line to BT so does that mean that I don't need a MAC code from virgin as it will be a new phone exchange?

Yes thats true but have you checked how much it will cost to re-activate your BT line? There are separate threads on here on that very subject. If you plug your Phone into the existing BT socket and still get a dial tone: it will be cheap to reactivate (or possibly free). If there is no dial tone I think BT quote something like £120+ to reactivate the line.

Have a quick search on this subject as the above is from my sketchy memory on the subject and you'll hopefully find some real examples of people doing the same and what they paid or not as the case may be.

saveumcowboy

Hiya

They have told me it will be £29.99 as I am a cable customer coming back so they have an offer on. I will just be glad to be rid of virgin grrrr

lizisbest

Forgive me if im repeating somebody else, i havent read every post, but i just phoned O2 to cancel my contract to move to a virgin bundle. They offered to change my mobile to a simplicity deal that offers 400 minutes and 200 texts for £10. Once i said it was the broadband i was really interested in they offered to throw that in for free! Unlimited download for 12 months.

So including the BT line thats 20.50/month for broadband and mobile (and evening and weekend calls from the landline) - I dont think thats too bad at all!

:j

tmancktelow

hey there, i see you got home BB as well as mobile BB? is it worth getting both?

lizisbest

I have O2 broadband and a mobile phone, not mobile broadband - sorry for the confusion.

Desperate_Dan_3

My GF asked for her MAC today as they couldn't better a deal offered by Tmobile. If we were to sign up before we switch her mobile contract would we receive the discounted customer rate, or would they cotton on???