How to Switch Broadband Providers

So you want to switch broadband provider. But how can you do it?

Which? the consumer watchdog has carried out a new survey into switching broadband providers and any problems those switching may experience.

The survey discovered that around half of those switching providers to get better broadband deals experience some kind of problem whilst switchers who found it difficult rose from 9% to 13%.

Common problems discovered by Which? included providers continuing to take payment, customers being trapped in a contract and issues setting up a new connection which left a consumers without internet for a number of months.

Whilst 13% found it difficult to switch providers an overwhelming majority found switching relatively easy, a point Which?'s broadband expert is keen to highlight, yet a warning has come from Which? suggesting that advancing technology and differing infrastructures could make switching broadband harder in the future.

Currently a large proportion of providers offer either a bundled of unbundled package, unbundled being a provider that provides broadband via its own phone lines via its own telephone exchanges, whilst bundled providers provide broadband via exchanges it shares/rents from BT.

Other types of broadband such as mobile/satellite broadband and cable providers all have their own infrastructure and switching between two such as Sky or Virgin can be full of pitfalls.

Things have been made a little easier by OFCOM who have introduced a mandate called the GC22 which requires all providers to send a migration authorisation (MAC) code within 5 days of request.

Whilst in theory it works the MAC code systems tends to work best when switching between providers who offer a BT wholesale product. Leaving a provider that provides its own phone line may mean that the user may have to take on a BT phone line or make extra payments; all in all switching broadband isn't as easy as it probably should be.

Despite potential problems a massive 78% still found switching broadband providers relatively easy and there are a couple of things that could make life a lot easier.

Checking any obligations in the broadband contract before switching should prevent any hidden get out charges, and remember to request a MAC code form your providers as they are required to send it within 5 days and this can help make the switching process a lot easier.

Switching broadband providers definitely has its pitfalls but anyone thinking of switching shouldn't be put off as massive savings and improved speeds can be achieved by switching broadband suppliers.

Also remember to check you current contract before switching. The cost of moving should be factored in if you're planning on moving soon and considering is Sky HD worth it.

Seamus Swords is a staff writer for site that compare broadband deals in the United Kingdom. The site also has reviews of popular products such as the Samsung R530 review.