Transferring from Tiscali Broadband - Warning

kysersozza

First post on the forum although have been scanning for some time.

Decided to transfer my Tiscali Broadband 512k service to another provider (EFH) as they are 1) Cheaper and 2) Tiscali have been messing around with their promised upgrades.

I need the MAC Code from Tiscali to be able to proceed. They have point blank refused to provide this code citing some BT release issue – “we don’t provide the code” (I spoke to BT who knew nothing about a 'problem'). Of course without the code I am unable to transfer and so need to cancel with Tiscali and then wait 10 to 15 days for a cancellation notice that will give me the MAC code! :mad:

Surely this constitutes an unfair practice? They are forcing me down a route which will deny me broadband access for a period of time when other ISPs seem able (and willing?!!?) to stump up the MAC code. :eek:

Has anyone successfully got their MAC code from Tiscali? And if so how?

Good luck!!!

scheming_gypsy

unless things have changed Tiscali aren't part of the migration scheme so you have to cancel and then resign up with another ISP

gary38uk

you may be on datastream and not IPstream.

taken from my isp (metronet)

The current list of ISPs we know that refuse migrations by not giving out MAC numbers are:

* Tiscali

It should be noted that ISPs are now regulated by OfCom whom have produced a consumer guide on the MAC based migration scheme and you might get some ‘action’ from your ISP if you point this out to them however please bear in mind that currently there is no obligation for ISPs to take part in this code of practice. If your ISP is on this code of practice but does not give out MAC numbers then you should take up the issue with OfCom and the ISP.

Other reasons the migration process might fail is if you are on what is know as an ‘ADSL Datastream‘ platform whilst we use ‘ADSL IPStream’. ISP's we know of whom use the datastream platform (on all or some of their lines) are:

* Tiscali (some)
* Virgin/NTL (some)
* NetServices (all)
* Bulldog (some)
* Central Point Internet Services (some if not all)

scottmartin

Tiscali are not part of OFCOM's Broadband Migration code of practice, as this is a voluntary code. Therefore they do not have to give you a MAC code because they do not currently support migrations. I've been having the same trouble for months with them, even though I am on IPStream and not datastream. Try giving them a call and saying how dissatisfied you are, and they'll more than likely drop your price like they did with me - £17.99 for 512k unlimited, which will hopefully soon be upgraded to 1Mb.