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mac key help

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Hi,
I am changing my internet provider from aol to o2.
i have still got some days with aol from my current payment
wanted to know if when you get a mac key from old privider does your old provider than cancel your internet straight away or can you use what paid for?
how long has it taken other aol to 02 broadband customers to transfer?
thanks

Comments

  • mrJ_5
    mrJ_5 Posts: 1,064 Forumite
    your account isn't cancelled until you phone up after successfully migrating away
  • However careful you are, if you use a MAC to migrate you will end up paying both ISPs for a period of time. The losing ISP are allowed to apply a notice period AFTER they are informed by BTW that you have migrated which they will charge for ,whilst your new ISP will charge you immediately from the date of successful migration.
    Sometimes BT don't pass the information on in a timely fashion (if at all)so it is worth phoning your former ISP to tell them that you have migrated on xx date - make sure they start the notice period (30 days?) as soon as possible.
    The big advantages of using a MAC rather than cancelling is that 1. you remain connected to the net & 2. you don't get charged the BT disconnection charge of ~ £20 but you will pay both ISPs for the same period of time.
  • thanks for the replies.
    brewerdave, how long do you have to pay both the providers?
  • mrJ_5
    mrJ_5 Posts: 1,064 Forumite
    if the notice period is 30 days - then you'd pay both for 30 days

    you could potentially try to calculate it, by requesting your MAC about 7 days before your next payment, then use it straight away - then your final payment would be due just after you migrated away (just make sure they scheduled your account to close after you have successfully migrated, as they could take another payment)
  • mrochester
    mrochester Posts: 1,519 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    mrJ wrote: »
    if the notice period is 30 days - then you'd pay both for 30 days

    you could potentially try to calculate it, by requesting your MAC about 7 days before your next payment, then use it straight away - then your final payment would be due just after you migrated away (just make sure they scheduled your account to close after you have successfully migrated, as they could take another payment)

    This is something I've contacted Consumer Direct about - it seems to me that ISPs are enforcing unfair terms and conditions by making it impossible for you to switch provider without having to pay them both for service at the same time. The outgoing ISP is essentially charging you a fee for leaving and disguising it under the guise of a 30 day notice period. The guy who emailed back at Cosumer Direct said that he had referred my thoughts on it being unfair terms and conditions to trading standards. I can't believe that these T&Cs are OK by them :eek:
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