From the 14th of February new Ofcom regulations come into affect making it far easier to swap broadband suppliers. The new rules inhibit companies from charging customers a fee to change providers, those who do charge a fee face a heavy fine from Ofcom.

In order to change broadband suppliers, customers have to ask for a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) which is a unique number to enable minimum problems when switching. Previously some providers were refusing to give customers their MAC code which can cause users to be without broadband for a lengthy period. From February 14th ISPs must supply MAC codes without any refusal upon request, regardless of any dispute.

Claudio Pollack, Ofcom's director of consumer policy stated: “Increased competition in broadband has led to falling prices and a wide variety of services. These new rules are intended to ensure that switching is a quick and easy process for all.”

Any ISP's who are in breach of the new regulations will be hit with a 10 per cent fine of their turnover.

Thinking of switching? View our switch broadband page to get your MAC code and compare packages that beat your currently one.