Switching Broadband Providers in the UK is Easy
Often, when we choose our first broadband internet supplier, we do so in response to an advertisement. Perhaps we were offered a special discount for the first few months, or even the first month free. Many UK broadband companies will offer such a promotional rate because they know that most customers are reluctant to change service providers, even if they are not fully satisfied with the ongoing cost or the level of service they are receiving. This is because most customers are unaware of the ease with which they can move between broadband suppliers in the UK.
If you already have a broadband provider and want to change the process is really quite simple. Simple ring up your current broadband provider and ask them for your Migration Authority Code or MAC. You can even find the telephone number of all the broadband providers in the UK in a single convenient list online. Your current UK broadband company is required to provide you with your MAC by law. However, because they know that asking for your MAC is the first step in changing providers, they may offer you a further promotional deal to continue on with their service. If you enjoy the art of negotiation, ring them up and ask for your MAC and then see how much you can lower your current rate.
If you decline the new offer and still switch to switch broadband suppliers, you can often sign up with the new broadband company online. Finding a new provider is easy. Broadband.co.uk, for example, allows you to provide your postcode and returns a list of all the broadband providers in your area. Simply click on each supplier’s name to compare the features and price for each one. You’ll want to compare pricing, monthly usage limits, and download speeds. Upload speeds are often much different than download speeds so if you are uploading significant amounts of data then compare this as well.
Once you have selected a new service provider, you can sign up for their service directly online. During the sign up process, the broadband company will ask you to provide your MAC. they will also ask you to provide a date for the switch to occur. If you have signed a committed length contract with your current provider, then you can simply input a date that occurs after the contract expires. Otherwise any convenient date will do. During the switchover, you may experience a short interruption in your broadband service so plan accordingly. Usually, this will take between 30 minutes to an hour at most.
Switching broadband suppliers in the UK is just that easy. One phone call to get your MAC and one visit to a website that allows you to compare and choose from all available broadband companies. Since you’ve already got broadband service, you’ve already got a BT line so no installation is required unless you are switching to a cable service as provided by Virgin Broadband. Virgin also provides Broadband via phone line, so don’t let this dissuade from choosing them.