How to switch ISP

How do I change my ISP?

If you're free of your contract
(or don't mind paying a cancellation fee) it’s easy to switch suppliers. All you have to do is call up your existing ISP and ask for your MAC (Migrations Authorisation Code). A MAC takes the form of a 17 or 18 digit code that is used to authenticate the migration request from your current ISP to the new provider.

On no account should you cancel your old service yourself as you could end up losing
broadband on your phone line altogether and be forced to start from scratch. When the MAC arrives (they are legally obliged to provide it within a maximum five working days), pass this on to your new ISP. Everything will be handled seamlessly and your new ISP will keep you informed of the switchover, and whether there is likely to be any downtime.

Without
a MAC you could be waiting for several weeks to transfer the service; with one it should be only a matter of hours. 

You can find further advice about your rights in regard to the MAC migration process at Ofcom or read the Broadband Choices Switching Guide.

Don't forget to check the cancellation policy

If you leave your existing ISP within the minimum contract period, you'll probably have to pay a cancellation fee. Even providers that don't stipulate a contract length may charge you if you defect within the first 12 months, after an initial 'cooling off' period.This fee may be a fixed penalty, a percentage of your monthly subscriptions over a set period, or the sum of payments due for the remainder of your contract.

You’ll find clear details of the provider’s cancellation policy in your original contract and in the Terms & Conditions section of its website. If moving on looks set to be expensive – for example, if you’ve only just joined the ISP – it might be more cost-effective to stick with your current deal a while longer. Alternatively, you may be prepared to pay the fee so you can switch to a more competitive package immediately.