Guide to MAC codes

What is a MAC? - Migration Access Codes, generally known as MAC codes allow you to seamlessly switch broadband provider, without any break in your service. Technically, a MAC code is like a serial number used to identify your broadband connection within the local exchange. If you’re switching provider and they have this code, they can simply move your connection over to their service.

What does this mean? - This means that rather than going without the internet for three to four weeks while you wait for your new connection, your switchover will be seamless – with little or no downtime, no need for an engineer to visit and you could even save on connection fees.

How do I get one? - The handing out of MAC codes used to be discretionary, but this was deemed a restrictive practice by Ofcom. They have since introduced new legislation so that all ADSL ISPs must now provide customers with a MAC code when requested.

Restrictions - If you have an LLU or cable connection you won’t be able to use the MAC migration service to switch provider, although some ISPs are trailing LLU MACs. Instead you’ll have to wait without broadband until your new connection is up and running.

Compare Broadband Packages in your area and call your provider to get your MAC code using the numbers below.

• AAISP - 01344 400 999
• AOL - 0870 320 2020
• Brightview Internet Services Ltd - 0207 665 3000
• BT Broadband - 0800 800 030
• Bulldog - 0800 404 8151
• Care4free - 0870 160 9901
• Community Internet - 01865 856 170
• Dark Marketing Ltd - 0870 742 4455
• Demon - 0845 272 2333
• Dial Start - 0870 160 1385
• Easynet - 0845 333 4400
• Eclipse Internet - 07392 333301
• EFHBroadband.com - 0870 141 7038
• Entanet - 0871 433 3682
• Fast.co.uk - 0870 881 3278
• freenetname - 0870 909 0586
• Global Internet - 0870 909 8100
• ic24 - 0870 160 1381
• Internet Central - 01782 667766
• InterViVo Networks Ltd - 0845 345 9234
• LCC Communications Ltd - 0870 242 7443
• Madasafish - 0870 160 1386
• Metronet - 0870 284 0284
• Netplan Internet Solutions - 0870 751 8345
• Nildram - 08701 608 600
• PIPEX Internet - 0845077 8324
• Orange - 0870 0102 462
• Spitfire - 0207 501 3030
• Totalise - 0870 160 9905
• Tiscali - 0845 077 4488
• Uniworld - 0845 458 4510
• Virgin Media (non cable) - 0845 840 7777
• Waitrose.com - 0800 980 0018
• Zen Internet - 0845 058 9000