OFCOM's new MAC regulations

macman

If the line was still active, you just needed to register for an account with TT for the phone/broadband package of your choice-you can't 'take over' an existing account as you describe it.

Lizk

I've been trying to get a MAC code from The Post Office but they've refused as I'm not "the account holder". I've always paid the bill but the account was in my husband's name. He passed away recently but when I told the post office so the name on the bill can be changed, they tried to get me to sign a new 18 month contract. I refused and have asked for a MAC code but they won't give one until I've change the name on the account (and entered into that 18 month contract). Rip off or what?

bubieyehyeh

You could cease the broadband which will mean you are without broadband for a week or two. This will mean the post office will get charged by bt openreach, some ISP pass on this charge some dont. If they don't pass on cease charges it will be a nice payback, or bargaining point to push them into giving a mac.

deklan99

Latest Ofcom thinking re migration - http://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/5032-ofcom-moves-a-step-closer-to-a-better-migration-system-for-uk.html
Also in the report, Making Switching Easy, Ofcom's missgivings re "Reactive Save",
""Reactive save‟ activity takes place when LPs try to "save‟ departing customers by making them a last-ditch better offer. On the surface this may seem to benefit customers but in the long run we believe it actually harms consumers interests...we believe reactive save can harm competition. If they can choose to make selective counter-offers to each and every switching customer, they have less incentive to offer competitive prices to all customers."
Possibly ISPs that offer "Retentions" deals might be under the microscope here.

1066wasabadyear

I've requested a MAC 3 times from my ISP because the service has become no better than dial up, funny enough the speeds dropped after receiving an email from them about upgrading the service (taking the p*** or what) but they want me to phone ! no chance, sick of talking to non English speakers.

katewills

thank you!

NoRinse

I have endured a line fault (crackle) and router dropping the broadband since last September, with God knows how many phone calls, 2 Talk Talk engineers to verify it was a fault outside my home, plus 3 BT engineers later it transpires my fault is actually on the TalkTalk server at the local exchange. Thinking there was no point in swapping provider as the fault was on the line, I now discover that 02, Sky and others want £50 to port from TalkTalk's system as its their own and not BTs. As my original contract was with Tiscali before Talk talk took them over and no-one pointed this out to me - can they do that? surely you cant impose hidden penalties to prevent people from leaving when they haven't signed up to the deal in the first place? HELP I am going insane
Pete

Gold_Man

In desperation I am posting my story here. Correct thread ? Possibly, as I think it proves that in many cases this "seamless" MAC code thing does not work.

I decided to switch from Virgin to BT ~20th October 2013. This is the £14.50 deal, Home Hub 4, Unlimited Wifi hotspot access, Free McAfee, Free smarttalk app, unlimited anytime calls. Yeah, I know there are better deals but I'm looking at factors like access to BT wireless points.

Virgin quickly gave me a MAC soon after BT informed me that they needed one. At first BT accepted the MAC and said the switchover would happen in a few days. But then, nothing. I phoned again and the MAC had become "invalid" even though it was well before its expiry date. This turned out to be possibly due to me having changed my phone number a couple of months before, so why was it accepted to begin with ? Virgin would never generate a new code despite repeated requests. A few days ago I insisted they look into it and they said they would contact BT Wholesale. Now the Virgin package has been manually cancelled by the look of it. The "tag" is off the line, but BT are saying I have to wait until 20th of November for activation even though they keep saying I am being "fast tracked".

These days how long can it possibly take to flick a switch somewhere on some wholesale broadband management software ? DUHHHHH !

UPDATE: followed recommendation further up the thread by emailing BT CEO. Got a rpley from secretary. Within about ~1-2 hours the broadband came on !

So there you go. BT are really run by a Homer Simpson character hovering over a broadband connect button. Maybe the CEO should send in Bart ?