Broadband may be cheaper and faster than ever, but choosing the right package can be a real minefield. We show you how to find and switch to a superior deal

PART FOUR: BEST BROADBAND DEALS

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. There are still some doubts about the MAC system – price-comparison site Firsthelpline.com believes it places too much responsibility on the customer and gives ISPs "more leeway to delay the [switching] process." Conversely, as personal-finance site Interactive Investor (www.iii.co.uk) points out in its broadband guide: "Often just asking for your MAC will sound alarm bells and whistles, and have your current broadband provider scrabbling to keep your custom."

You'll find a long list of ISP phone numbers that you can ring to obtain your MAC on Firsthelpline.com's 'How do I switch?' page.
For further advice about your rights in regard to the MAC migration process, see Ofcom's page on the subject or read Broadband Choices' excellent 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.

What are monthly data download limits? Can I find out how much I've used?

Some broadband packages place a restriction on how much you can download in a month, with usage caps starting from around 2GB. To see what broadband you require try Web User's Bandwidth calculator. Some ISPs provide a usage tool that will show you how much data transfer you've used and how much is remaining. You can also download the NetLimiter 2 Monitor for free from www.netlimiter.com.

Which broadband service should I sign up to?

With prices falling under £10 a month and connection speeds passing 24Mbps, there's never been a better but more baffling time for broadband customers. To help you cut through the confusion, follow our easy 10-step guide to finding your perfect internet package. You can also use Web User's broadband comparison service to check broadband availability and find the best packages for your home.

Help solving CONNECTION PROBLEMS (part One)

Help solving SPEEED PROBLEMS (part Two)

Help solving WIRELESS PROBLEMS (part Three)

BROADBAND CHECKLIST (part Five)