How long do ISPs have to give me a Migration Code?

piggeh

I requested a MAC code off Nildram last weekend, and am still awaiting a reply. Last time I requested one, they responded within a few days. Just wondering how long an ISP is allowed to respond and give you the code to switch ISPs?

yellowlawn

How long is a peice of string? Serioulsy though OFCOM are looking at clamping down on this.

piggeh

So is there no set time at present? Seems a bit silly.

yellowlawn

Think of it this way your ISP has been in there eyes happily providing you with a broadband service and taking your money for it to boot. Now for whatever reason you have given you have found a cheaper better or whatever deal elsewhere. So they think how can we hang onto this guy's money before having to loose it? And as you can't sign upto another ISP without your MAC address, the answer is until we get sick of him contacting us or he forgets.

piggeh

I will have to go on the rampage tomorrow then

Cheers for the advice.

Madasafish_Customer_Care

Hi Piggeh,

Nildram signed the OFCOM Voluntary code and they should be held to it.

By the code the supplier should only take up to 5 working days.

Good luck!

Kind regards,
Samara

bbb_uk

piggeh wrote:

I will have to go on the rampage tomorrow then

Cheers for the advice.

Remember it's only a voluntary code (as mentioned by Madasafish Customer Care) so they are under no legal obligation to issue you with a MAC. It has been known that some ISPs are refusing/giving excuses, etc to avoid issuing you with a MAC.

Madasafish_Customer_Care

While it is a voluntary code, they voluntarily signed and agreed to it. No one forced them to make this decision.

As an ISP we're trying to put pressure on OFCOM to enforce the code. I believe that this kind of pressure would be better if it came from consumers who are with an ISP that have signed the code and are now having trouble getting a MAC. If I were OFCOM I would be furious that an ISP would be using the positive publicity of agreeing to the code but then not abiding by it.

OFCOM has been looking at making this code mandatory and this does appear to be the way forward.

Kind regards,
Samara

piggeh

Cool, cheers for the advice. Does this also count if you sent the email to the wrong department? Apparently I should have sent an emai lto their retentions dept, rather than customer care. Although they're retention email isnt listed on their website strangely.. -.-

Will see what they do anyways.

eagleeye

i got my MAC code/number with in 8 hours from plus.net yesterday.

Minerva69

It took me 2 weeks to get a MAC from Orange (who have also signed up to the Ofcom code of practice). I only got this after making a complaint to ISPA. Don't know if it's worked yet, due to migrate on Friday. Fingers crossed!