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Migration Authorisation Code

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This article is about the broadband transfer code. For the networking identifier, see MAC address.

In the United Kingdom a Migration Authorization Code (MAC) is a 17 to 19-character unique identifier code used by DSL customers when they wish to switch internet service provider (ISP). A MAC is generated by the actual telecommunication provider (most commonly BT), identifies the local loop (telephone line) to be switched, and authorises the provider to switch the customer to the new 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 (this indicates the day in the month the MAC was issued), and 1 final letter. (For example: BBIP87654321/AB12C).[1]

Background

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 three to ten working days for accounts to be switched over from one ISP to another.[2]

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.[3] 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[4]:

  • 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 or "fully unbundled" network (where the ISP provides Broadband, Line Rental and Calls together)
  • Ofcom regulations only apply to individuals and businesses with less than 15 employees. The MAC request must be made by the end user.

Problems

Some ISPs, such as Pipex[5][6] have been reported to be unwilling to provide MACs even if they have no reasonable grounds for refusal.

Getting your MAC

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. Ofcom have told me that even they cannot ring BT Wholesale [citation needed]. A way round this is to ring BT Broadband Technical services [citation needed] (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 [citation needed]. 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) [citation needed].

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.[7]

BT cannot also block or attempt to delay a transfer to a new ISP.[citation needed]

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.

References

  1. ^ http://www.plus.net/support/customer_service/using/request_mac_key.shtml#1
  2. ^ http://www.talktalk.co.uk/talktalk/servlet/gben-server-PageServer?article=MAIN.UK.TALKTALK.STATIC.HELP.BBHELP.MACCODE
  3. ^ http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39285135,00.htm
  4. ^ http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/codes-of-practice/migrations-authorization-code-mac-broadband-migrations-process/
  5. ^ http://www.ofcom.org.uk/bulletins/comp_bull_index/comp_bull_ocases/open_all/cw_946/pipexs94.pdf
  6. ^ http://www.ispreview.co.uk/news/EkFkFZFFAZCpJMOldX.html
  7. ^ "Ofcom learns lessons from Biscit fallout". Retrieved 22 June 2009.

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