It is now over two years since regulations to promote good practice over MAC codes were brought in. But if the latest figures from the telecommunications are to be believed, providers are still failing to comply.

The study found that getting hold of a MAC code was among the top six most common complaints registered by UK consumers. According to the regulator, between 300 and 500 are received every month.

It’s not hard to see why this might be the case. When a customer is looking to switch they are no longer the responsibility of their previous ISP. That means that there is scant incentive or broadband providers to help them. Conversely, the slaps on the wrist that Ofcom gives errant ISPs do little to frighten them into raising their game over MAC codes.

The only way that we can see the situation improving is if a more draconian regime is imposed. That means fines being ramped up to a level that makes them impossible for ISPs to take lightly and closer scrutiny of providers’ practices. Over to you, Ofcom.