Broadband providers in the UK should face action if they are found to be delaying the process of supplying MAC codes to customers, according to one expert.

MAC codes are needed by users of ADSL broadband when switching provider - the information ensures that they do not suffer from a break in connection.

A recent study by moneysupermarket.com found that over half of those quizzed had to wait for over five days before receiving their MAC code, while 27 per cent wait for two weeks or longer.

Now Michael Phillips, Product Director at Broadband Choices, has responded to the findings, insisting that broadband companies have no excuse for the delays.

He said: "It is completely unacceptable that consumers should have to wait more than two weeks for their MAC code and Ofcom really needs to crack down on the repeat offenders.

"Problems like this put people off switching broadband provider - something that is normally a simple, easy process."