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Migration Authorisation Code

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Janwwww (talk | contribs) at 00:19, 23 January 2009 (→Problems: Added - info on how to get your MAC if your ISP cannot provide this.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

In the United Kingdom a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) is a 17- to 19-character unique identifier code used by broadband customers when they wish to switch internet service provider (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, and 1 final letter. (For example: BBIP87654321/AB12C).[1]

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 six 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 ISP is unable to have a MAC generated by the broadband network communications provider. In the UK this is generally BT as they own the majority of the telecoms infrastructure over which broadband is provided. Contrary to popular belief[who?], the ISP itself does not generate the MAC but instead places a request to BT to have a MAC generated, unless the service is being provided by an unbundled exchange.
  • If the service is provided over an MPF network

Problems

Some ISPs[who?] have been reported to be unwilling to provide MACs even if they have no reasonable grounds for refusal {{citation}}: Empty citation (help).

Getting your MAC if your ISP does not have it/ cannot get it. 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. Offcom have told me that even they cannot ring BT Wholesale (please edit if incorrect). A way round this is to ring BT Broadband Technical services (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. 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). Of course, it would be even better if, in crisis situations, the underlying line provider, eg BT, would set up a help line to enable customers to get their MAC codes directly from BT Wholesale, as I believe has happened at least once in the past http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/03/23/biscit_fallout/ NB MACs tend to be commonly referred to as MAC codes, repeating the word code, distinguishing them from MAC addresses (Media Access Control addresses) which every computer, router etc. will have.

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.

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