14 February 2007
Telecommunications regulator Ofcom will today begin enforcing new and improved regulations on the duty of broadband providers to issue customers with migration access codes (Macs) when they want to change supplier in an effort to make it easier for consumers to choose the best package for them.
From today, broadband providers will no longer be allowed to charge their customers for issuing a Mac and firms who attempt to block applications or place barriers in the way which make it harder for users to switch will be penalised with heavy fines.
The new Code of Practice will make it far easier for the estimated 234,000 people switch their provider each month as well as boosting the number of subscribers on local loop unbundled broadband from 1.5 million households to two million by the end of 2007.
A spokesman for Ofcom told the BBC that "no obstacles should be put in the way of customers once they are out of contract".
"We do not think it is fair that customers should get caught up in disputes with commercial providers," he continued, adding that the regulator was actively encouraging consumers who felt that their broadband provider wasn't obeying the rules to get in touch.
"We can track trends and if there is one provider that is a repeat offender we can investigate," he said before confirming that providers found to be going against the Code of Practice were eligible to be fined up to 10% of their annual turnover.
The move was welcomed by Steve Weller, head of communications services at the price comparison and switching website uSwitch.com.
"Moving broadband supplier should be like gas and electricity," he said. "You do not go without those for two weeks when you switch."
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