Switching from BT to Sky BB - MAC code help!

ultracheapskate

Hi I am currently on BT BB and will be out of contract in February. I want to switch to Sky Broadband Max package (£10 per month). I am keeping my BT phone line, but want to cancel my BT BB.

Anyways I called Sky BB, who said I am eligible for their Base/Mid/Max packages - however they would need my MAC code from BT. I called BT cancellations, and spoke to a lady asking which Sky package I was taking. She said she could give me the MAC code but advised me that Sky do not need this code for their Base/Mid/Max packages - she told me I simply needed to give 30 days notice. According to her the MAC code is only needed for their "Connect" package, and if Sky are requesting the code, they will simply put you on the "connect package". Apparently Sky use an LLU exchange for their broadband (but NOT for "connect" package) and thus a MAC code is not needed.

When I called Sky (again) about transferring to their MAX package, they said they would need the MAC code. However the man didn't seem to have a clue about LLU exchanges, and simply wanted to process the order.

Basically I am confused - who is telling the truth, Sky or BT? I would be grateful for any help - thanks!

ultracheapskate

Spoke to BT again, asking for the MAC code. The guy repeatedly said I wouldn't need it to transfer to the MAX package because it involves the LLU exchange (ie not BT exchange). He said he would give me the MAC code but advised me that Sky would not need it, and my BT BB would remain active i.e. would have to pay for both BT and Sky.

However when speaking to Sky, and trying to order it on the web, they will not let me proceed without the MAC. So basically somebody is not telling the truth here...

Am I right in thinking BT are trying to be difficult in not giving the MAC? Or are they telling the truth, in that I don't need it for the MAC package? I have already given my cancellation request (15 days left) and wanted to know for sure before stopping my cancellation request (meaning I would have to give another 30 days notice).

penrhyn

You are being lied to by BT.
Sky need the MAC code in order to put an order on BT to cease your internet contract with them, and for them (BT) to provision your LLU connection.
At which point your contract with BT will end.
There is no way that you can have both services on your line.
I recommend you visit https://www.skyuser.co.uk where there are a lot of knowledgable people regarding Sky BB.
By the way its none of BT's business who you are transferring your internet contract too, they are probably !!!!ed off that Sky/Easynet have unbundled more exchanges than any other LLU operator, I think its about 750 at the moment.

ultracheapskate

penrhyn wrote:

You are being lied to by BT.
Sky need the MAC code in order to put an order on BT to cease your internet contract with them, and for them (BT) to provision your LLU connection.
At which point your contract with BT will end.
There is no way that you can have both services on your line.
I recommend you visit https://www.skyuser.co.uk where there are a lot of knowledgable people regarding Sky BB.
By the way its none of BT's business who you are transferring your internet contract too, they are probably !!!!ed off that Sky/Easynet have unbundled more exchanges than any other LLU operator, I think its about 750 at the moment.

Thanks for the reply.

I thought so. Two people (from BT) have now both said the same thing ie don't need MAC code to take MAX package. However I was highly sceptical because when ordering sky online, you can't proceed without giving the MAC code.

My only concern was that I would be paying for my sky BB, and in addition to that my BT service would not have stopped (as BT claimed). The man said he was making notes on the account, saying how he had informed me that BT would still charge me, and basically it was my fault for not listening to him. I know it is within my rights to demand the PAC code (and believe me I would!), but I didn't want to call his bluff, especially as he was going to great lengths to convince me Sky were wrong.

But I don't understand why BT would lie. I have given my cancellation request already so they have nothing to gain - either way I am cancelling my account (through MAC code or 30 day notice). Doesn't make much sense, unless it is out of spite...

penrhyn

As far as I am aware the only time you dont need a MAC is when you are moving from one LLU operator to another, in which case you have to do a cease and resupply.
I suggest you ring Sky broadband to get their view.Freephone number 0800 051 2595

saver_natalie

Am afraid I don't know anything about Sky broadband and whether you will need a MAC code, but from my recent experiences with BT, I reckon they're lying to you.

I phoned them up last week to get my MAC code to transfer to ORange and the guy I spoke to was very aggressive and I ended up feeling I was fighting and demanding to get my code and justifying moving from them. He slagged Orange off in every possible way, and even me for choosing them. It made me more determined than ever to leave them. If I do have any problems with orange, I won't go back to BT broadband just cos of his attitude!

Guess BT are panicking cos so many people are leaving so they're using any tactics they can to keep customers, including bullying and lying!

ultracheapskate

i think I'm inclined to agree with you. I do believe they were lying to me, as sky specifically told me they need a MAC code. I called yesterday to get my MAC code and the guy again asked who I was moving to. I told him I was unsure as there were a few possible ISPs. but he kept asking the question. I then got quite annoyed and frankly told him it was none of his business.

He then told me how I should upgrade with BT and went on about how other providers don't give free wireless routers and anti-virus software - I told him how I already had these, so it didn't make any difference. He then became quite aggressive and arrogant by claiming he knew far more about broadband than me, and how I should listen to him. At this moment I got quite angry (again) and told him I didn't really care about his opinions. I told him I didn't have much time, had already made my mind up and simply wanted my MAC code - he then put me on hold for about 10 minutes and upon his return told me how the system had crashed. The phone line then went dead and I was cut off!

This experience and their previous lies has made me more determined than ever to leave BT. Even if Sky turns out to be a bad decision I will never return to BT...

penrhyn

You might be interested in the Migration Code of practice which BT has signed up to

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/codes/bbm_cop/#content

Ofcom are changing the ules to force ISPs to provide MACs these will come into force on the 14th Feb 2007.

Statement here

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/migration/statement/

You might be able to use this as a lever with BT who still have the attitude that they have a monopoly in telecom services.