The procedures that have to be adhered to when switching broadband provider can sometimes be "tedious", according to one expert.

Guardian technology columnist Jack Schofield has pointed out that some providers may object to subscribers switching.

However, Mr Schofield said, if an account holder feels he or she has received shoddy service for their money, they are free to make a complaint to the independent Communications & Internet Services Adjudication Scheme.

He explained that this process can be more tiresome for the provider than customer, which is why many deem it simpler to hand the broadband user the Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) which they need to change company.

Recent research from moneysupermarket.com has found that over two in five customers have trouble acquiring their MAC when attempting to switch providers.