BT Total Broadband Cancellation Fee

staffie1

My current (18mth) contract with BT ends next month. I'm on Total Broadband which is internet access and landline phone.

Following is an extract from their amended T&C's published in Oct 08, and effective from 2nd Dec 08: -

"BT Total Broadband and BT Total Broadband Anywhere price terms
Ending the service

1. When you end your broadband service outside your minimum period and do not request and use a migration access code (MAC) or another recognised transfer process to move to another service provider, you will have to pay a cease charge of £18.51 (from 2nd December 2008). You will not have to pay this charge in the event you are moving home and we are unable to provide the service at the new address."

This wasn't part of the deal when I signed up and as my contract hasn't yet ended I couldn't leave them without incurring a penalty before 2nd Dec. So, how can I avoid paying the £18.51 as I plan to switch in Feb 09?
Does anyone know what MAC code or "recognised transfer process" is?
Is it legal? In a free market, why can't I cancel the service if it no longer fits my needs without incurring a penalty?

I haven't asked BT yet, but just wanted to see if anyone else on here has a view.
Many thanks.

DatabaseError

If you plan on moving to another broadband supplier, you will need to request a MAC, and give this to the new supplier, using a MAC should make the change almost seamless (or, at least it was for me yesterday).
The charge BT are listing is for a cease, when you no longer want to have any broadband supplied.
The legality of this was discussed, at l e n g t h, a month or 2 ago.

bottom line..if you're changing supplier, get a MAC, it's free!
if you are canceling all broadband provision in your house, cough up.

staffie1

Thanks button duly hit!
Just a technicality then - but I want to move from BT (phone wire) to Virgin (Cable - already installed). MAC code still required? Didn't need one when I moved from Virgin to BT in the first place.
Cheers

DatabaseError

I'll let someone else confirm...but I think you fall into the 'Give us £20" camp
Dependent upon where you live, there are some pretty good ISPs which you could change to without going cable (Sky+O2 LLU)