MSE News: Ofcom implementing easier telecoms switching

Former_MSE_Paloma

Millions of broadband and landline customers should find it easier to switch providers, Ofcom says ...

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Ofcom implementing easier telecoms switching




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grumbler

Paloma_Kubiak wrote:

...the provider gaining the new customer, so it will contact the existing supplier to request a Mac code...

...customers moving between Openreach and cable providers will need to cancel their contract and could be asked to provide a Mac code for the new supplier.

>> The 10 worst acronyms if you're a pedant (grrr) | Martin Lewis' Blog...

:think:

Also, it's a norm to use capital letters for abbreviations.

[I will delete my post if/when the article is corrected]

robin58

grumbler wrote: »

>> The 10 worst acronyms if you're a pedant (grrr) | Martin Lewis' Blog...

:think:

Also, it's a norm to use capital letters for abbreviations.

[I will delete my post if/when the article is corrected]

Who poked you with a stick today?

Or are you as your name says a perpetual 'grumbler'.;)


Personally on the note of this new system, I am all for it.

Having moved my broadband line from Sky and BT landline to Plusnet.

It took 2 calls to BT, 2 calls to Sky and 2 calls to plusnet.

To do it in just one call will be a blessing!

jamesd

The headline makes the apparently false claim "Ofcom implementing easier telecoms switching".

It seems far more likely that Ofcom just introduced rules about fast switching and are playing no part at all in implementing it. Just what part do they play in each switch? Do they take the consumer's request or relay the request from the new provider to the old one using some Ofcom-operated computer system? Or did they just introduce new rules and actually play no part at all in implementing the systems and equipment used to implement their rule?

Ectophile

How am I supposed to threaten BT in order to get better discounts on my broadband now?

In the past I've phoned them up and gone through the usual "I want a better deal" process. When that didn't give me what I wanted, I asked for a MAC code, and waited for them to contact me. I could then negotiate a better deal.

OFCOM have just taken away this option.

Pincher

I rather preferred the security of requesting the MAC myself from the existing ISP. A cold caller cannot get through the security questions to get the MAC.

Dekkered

Online the Plusnet site told me that they couldn't switch my phone number.
I phoned PN and they said that TT wouldn't release the phone number.
I read about the new rules introduced in June by OFCOM to enable easier switching.
Phoned TT and asked for a MAC number and questioned their policy of not allowing phone numbers to be released and they changed their tune and said that the MAC code wasn't necessary anymore and that the number was mine to be transferred.
I've recorded the times and names of the folk I spoke to so I'm prepared incase there's any back tracking.

zerog

I have a question about leaving talktalk, which might apply to leaving other providers too:

I am out of contract, but talktalk says you need to give them 30 days' notice to leave.

How does this reconcile with the fact that companies such as sky claim that they can get the service switched in 2 weeks with these new switching rules?

Would I need to contact talktalk 2 weeks before starting the switch to a new provider, or do I have to figure out how to get the new provider to delay the switch after signing up with them, or will I get double-billed?

The_Groat_Counter

Ectophile wrote: »

How am I supposed to threaten BT in order to get better discounts on my broadband now?

In the past I've phoned them up and gone through the usual "I want a better deal" process. When that didn't give me what I wanted, I asked for a MAC code, and waited for them to contact me. I could then negotiate a better deal.

OFCOM have just taken away this option.

Well, now the existing provider needs to come up with their best offer to retain you as a customer when you first contact them.

Alternatively, I guess you could say you're not happy with whatever they offer during the call, and then see of they call you back afterwards anyway...

psanders

Trying to leave TalkTalk, so give them 30 days notice before end of contract. Apparently, this counts as early termination, so I get charged a fee. So wait till end of contract to give notice - now I'm out of contract and get stung with a bill for a month at non-contract rates (despite being told repeatedly on the phone that there wouldn't be such charges). I won't even be with them for another month because I'm making arrangements now with another provider.
How can one escape without additional charges? OFGEN's changes to energy supplier switching seem to have eased switching, but OFCOM don't seem to have had any effect on communication supplier switching.

psanders

After an hour on the phone to Talktalk, still couldn't get any sense out of them wrt giving notice or 'cease orders' (what was apparently applied when I thought I was just giving them 30 days notice and what causes the number to be lost). 5 minutes with Plusnet advised that OFCOM rules on transfers supersede this notice period - if you get another provider to take over the service, notice periods don't count, although early termination fees or part use (or full month charge?) beyond contract period may apply. Cease orders should NOT be requested prior to transfer.
Wish I'd found this out a month ago when I started trying to leave TalkTalk.
Hope the transfer to Plusnet works