In the United Kingdom a Migration Authorisation Code ( MAC ) is a 17- to 19-character unique identifier code used by broadband customers when they wish to switch internet service provider (ISP). MACs usually begin with "BBIP", "FTIP", "BBDS", or "BBDP", and consist of 4 letters, 7 digits (sometimes up to 9), a forward slash, 2 letters, 2 digits, and 1 final letter. (For example: BBIP87654321/AB12C).
After a request for a MAC it should be provided by the ISP within five working days. MACs are valid for 30 days once issued, providing the customer with the opportunity of switching ISPs within that period. It usually takes around six to ten working days for accounts to be switched over from one ISP to another.
The code was first introduced by Ofcom and BT as a voluntary code of practice. However, as of 14 February 2007 , the rule became compulsory (General Condition No. 22: Service Migrations). This meant that if a broadband customer requested a MAC from their ISP then the provider must supply one free of charge. The rules were implemented in order to ease the process of switching ISPs. Switching customers will usually only lose their Internet connection for up to a few hours during the migration.
Reasons for refusal
The grounds on which an ISP may refuse to issue a MAC are:
- The ISP is unable to confirm the identity of the account holder by performing standard checks
- The broadband service contract has already been terminated
- A valid MAC has already been requested and issued by the ISP
- The ISP has already submitted a cease request for the broadband service
- The underlying broadband network communications provider used by the ISP is unable to generate a MAC. In the UK the underlying broadband network communications provider is generally BT as they own the majority of the telecoms infrastructure.
- If the service is provided over an MPF network
Problems
Some ISPs have been reported to be unwilling to provide MACs even if they have no reasonable grounds for refusal .
There is an Ofcom report concerning Pipex's failure to supply MACs in 2008 at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/bulletins/comp_bull_index/comp_bull_ocases/open_all/cw_946/pipexs94.pdf (for summary see http://www.ispreview.co.uk/news/EkFkFZFFAZCpJMOldX.html)
Getting your MAC if your ISP does not have it/ cannot get it. If your ISP has routed your service via other service providers, the other service providers may have tagged your Broadband telephone line. The service providers who have tagged your line should be able to get your MAC for you. If the service is routed over a BT line , BT Wholesale will be able to tell you which company or companies have a tag on your line. BUT you cannot ring BT wholesale directly, only your ISP or the companies who have tagged your line can. Offcom have told me that even they cannot ring BT Wholesale (please edit if incorrect). A way round this is to ring BT Broadband Technical services (current number from the UK 0800 800 030, select Option 1) and ask them very nicely if they would ask BT wholesale for you. Once you know which company or companies have a tag on your line, you can ring one and ask them to get your MAC from BT wholesale. Just to be clear, as far as I know BT Technical are unable to ask BT Wholesale for your MAC, just who has tagged your line. The above is very useful where your ISP genuinely cannot get your MAC for you (I understand that the line has to be active for your ISP to get your MAC - please edit if incorrect).
At least once in the past, in a crisis situation, BT set up a help line to enable customers to get their MAC codes directly from BT Wholesale..
BT cannot also block or attempt to delay a transfer to a new ISP.
Local loop unbundling
Many providers in the UK will not accept a local loop unbundling (LLU) MAC, identifiable by its first 2 characters being LL. If a company will not accept an LLU MAC then the connection (or "asset") must be cancelled with the old provider and re-provided under the new provider. Some providers charge for provide orders but not for migrate-in orders and the current LLU system is costing customers up to £50 per provider change. The process of migrating across with a MAC takes 3–10 days as opposed to 17 days to cease an asset and 7–10 days to provide a new order.
External links
- http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/codes/bb_migration/ - Ofcom Broadband Migration - Industry Code Of Practice
- http://www.maccodes.co.uk/ - Guide on how to get your broadband MAC and switch providers with telephone numbers
- http://www.maccode.co.uk/ - Broadband MAC finder and guide to switching
- http://www.talktalk.co.uk/talktalk/servlet/gben-server-PageServer?article=MAIN.UK.TALKTALK.STATIC.HELP.BBHELP.MACCODE - TalkTalk Guide to MACs
- http://www.broadband.co.uk/changeprovider.jsp - How to obtain and use a MAC
- http://www.howdoigetamaccode.co.uk - Advice on dealing with uncooperative ISPs
- http://www.orangeproblems.co.uk/mac/index.php - Orange Broadband Migration Authorisation Codes, MACs, fully explained
References
- ^ http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/codes/bb_migration/
- ^ "Ofcom learns lessons from Biscit fallout" . http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/03/23/biscit_fallout/ . Retrieved 2009-06-22 .
ISP - Long Island Mac Arthur Airport limo services
ISP - Long Island Mac Arthur Airport limo services: Compare free quotes from the best ISP airport limo services.
ISP.com Your Internet Service Provider
Mac OS 8.X and up; Windows 3.1 * Linux * WebTV * Palm OS * * The software works with ISP.com, however technical support does not provide setup support.
Webuser Forums: setting up ISP on a MAC
Hi all back again.. Many thanks to all Team that helped me set up my PC versus MAC machines a few weeks ago I am pleased to say that after a few problems like the keyboard was ...
ISP Sports - Our Team
Marketing Assistant Ryan joined the ISP MAC Sports Network in July 2009. He began his career with Pitney Bowes as an account executive and then worked with Formula Sports and ...
Moneysupermarket.com - ISP support for Mac Safari /Mail users
Hi. Can you tell me which ISP's provide email support for Apple Mac "Mail" users and combined Safari browser users. I was recently told by Virgin.net (who I pay £17.99 to) to ...
Mac friendly ISP for Qwest customers!! - Operating Systems - Qwest ...
I have been a customer of Qwest broadband for a number of years. When I signed up the only other viable option was Comcast. Neither provider provided Mac support for ISP.
[isp-webhosting] RE: ASP ON Mac? - ISP-Webhosting Archive
[isp-webhosting] RE: ASP ON Mac? To: isp-webhosting@isp-webhosting.com; Subject: [isp-webhosting] RE: ASP ON Mac? From: JDyer < JDyer@... Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 14:25:18 -0500
Please Help With ISP/Mac Mail Question - macosx.com
I'm trying to get my Mail (the application that came with my iBook) set up. I don't have a .Mac account nor do I want one. From what I understand, I
[isp-australia] mac email problems - ISP-Australia Archive
[isp-australia] mac email problems. To: isp-australia@isp-australia.com; Subject: [isp-australia] mac email problems; From: "Ghost" < ghost@... Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2002 12:40:52 +1000
ISP Freebies Neglect Mac Users - Comcast: We're looking into it ...
Broadband news, information and community, ISP Freebies Neglect Mac Users - Comcast: We're looking into it