A significant share of Brits are finding the process of acquiring a MAC code when switching broadband provider difficult, new research suggests.

moneysupermarket.com's recently-published study discovered that 41 per cent of broadband users attempting to obtain their MAC code over the past 12 months reported problems of some sort.

A 51 per cent portion revealed that they had endured delays of five days or more, with 27 per cent hanging on for at least two weeks.

"Ofcom have set out clear mandatory regulation on MAC codes but time delays clearly remain a huge issue for the majority of switchers," observed moneysupermarket.com's broadband manager James Parker.

He went on to conclude: "Delays over two weeks are simply not acceptable - consumers may be put off switching and end up sticking with their current deal to avoid the hassle, potentially loosing out on big savings."