What are MAC Codes
MAC code stands for Migration Authorisation Code which in the UK is a 17-19 character identifier uniquely used by customers of broadband services whenever they elect to switch between internet service providers or ISPs. MACs are useful for 30 days once issued after a request made by the customer to his incumbent ISP. This should be sufficient time for the customer to get a new ISP as it takes only 6-10 business days for accounts to be processed in the transfer from ISP to another.
MACs usually start with “BBDS”, “BBIP”, “FTIP”, or “BBDP”, and have 4 letters, 7 to 9 digits, a slash, 2 letters, 2 digits and ending with 1 letter, or something like BBIP87654321/AB12C
It was introduced by BT as a sound consumer practice that’s optional but in 2007, it became mandatory as part of the General Conditions 22 governing Service Management stipulated in the operating licenses of broadband network operators. ISPs are mandated to comply with a customer request free of charge within the stipulated timeframe. The rules came into force as a means to facilitate customer migration from one ISP to another.
Refusing to Give the MAC
Once a customer MAC request is received, the incumbent ISP should provide the MAC in five business days. There are some valid reasons for refusing a customer’s request. They include the following:
- The identity of the account holder cannot be confirmed with standard checks.
- The service contract for broadband services has been terminated before the request is made.
- The ISP has already been issued to the customer from an earlier request.
- A cease request for the broadband service has been submitted by the ISP.
The ISP could not send a MAC because the underlying broadband network provider is unable to generate a MAC. In the UK, British Telecom is usually the underlying network provider.
