Ofcom advises customers looking to switch supplier to ‘contact their gaining provider who should be able to talk consumers through the process in terms of what they need to do to switch’.
A spokeswoman for the regulator said: “Communications providers (both losing and gaining) are well placed in terms of providing accurate and reliable information to consumers, and it is worth pointing out that regulation includes requirements relating to the provision of such information.”
However, Michael Phillips, product director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk explains: “As innovations in technology emerge in the broadband market, the switching process is becoming more complicated. Ofcom now cites seven different processes and needs to clarify the procedures regarding switching to ensure that customers receive accurate switching advice from ISP call centres.”
Issues surrounding the use of Migration Authorisation Codes (MAC) also proved inconsistent in the research. Phillips says: “This is ironic as MAC codes were introduced by Ofcom to ease the issues surrounding migration. Clearly we can’t rely on ISPs to inform consumers on the best process to follow when switching.”
Mrs Farren, a TalkTalk customer explained her recent experience with switching, having decided to move her broadband and telephone account from a Virgin Media ADSL connection to TalkTalk LLU. To complete the process she obtained a MAC Code from Virgin Media ADSL. Mrs Farren gave the code to TalkTalk and the migration went smoothly.
However, Mrs Farren continued to receive bills from Virgin Media ADSL, who directed the blame at TalkTalk and recommended she take it up with Ofcom.
It later emerged that her account with Virgin Media ADSL had remained active because, in line with its standard practice, TalkTalk had not used the MAC Code - which had since expired, leaving Virgin Media ADSL still issuing bills.
Mrs Farren said: “Ofcom has given us complete lack of clarity as to who is to blame in this matter. While I appreciate that Ofcom cannot become embroiled in individual cases, I find it incredible that two large ISPs cannot agree who should take responsibility for this incident.”
Phillips says: “As well as improving the information available on how to switch , Ofcom must offer clear advice on what action consumers should take if they find themselves in a similar situation.”
“While the LLU MAC code system is being trialled for partial LLU connections where only the broadband is provided by an unbundled line, ISP’s are under no obligation to accept the codes and many customers have been forced to foot the ‘cease and re-provide’ cost of moving to a new provider, which currently stands at £58.75.”
Phillips concludes: “LLU uses a different type of technology to traditional ADSL connections and customers could face a break in their broadband service for weeks at a time. If both their broadband and home phone have been moved to an unbundled network they may even have to pay BT £124.99 to have their phone line reconnected.”