EPX Technology Blog

All about MAC addresses

A few years ago, we had a page telling you all about the wonders of MAC codes, which are used when you want to move away from one internet provider and to another.  After a recent check, we found that some of our visitors are still interested in that information – so for your viewing pleasure we’ve brought back the MAC page!

Please do bear in mind that this page is here for legacy purposes and that some of the numbers on the list below may well have changed.  If there is sufficient interest, we will get this page up to date and modernised!

What is a MAC?

MAC technically stands for Migration Access Code – but is often known as a MAC Code. They allow for the seamless transition between broadband providers with no downtime.

If you are switching provider, your new provider will require the code to move connection.

How can I obtain a MAC?

Simply contact your ISP and ask them for it. Ofcom regulations (from 14th Feb 2007) stipulate that a provider must provide the customer with a MAC upon request – regardless of any dispute.

For a list of internet providers and telephone numbers, please see the table below.

Things to look out for

Excuses and stalling tactics

Asking a provider for a MAC is effectively telling your provider that you no longer require their service. They may attempt to fob you off with excuses – “our systems are down right now, please try again tomorrow” is always popular.

Additional services

When moving providers, often you may not be able to keep the email address that was provided with the broadband package.

For the most security, we recommend purchasing your own custom domain name (e.g. john@smithfamily.co.uk – or similar), so that you can keep your email account no matter who provides your broadband.

Charges and contracts

Ofcom regulations state that an Internet Service Provider may not charge for a MAC.

However, be aware that there may be contractual obligations in place for a customer to pay a termination charge if wishing to leave a contract early.

MAC Validity

MACs are only valid for 30 days from the date of their generation. Remember – you may not be given the MAC immediately after it has been generated.

Contact numbers

View | 0 Comments | Posted By admin | Posted 19th September 2012   

Job offer – Business Development Manager

EPX Technical Services has a vacancy for a Business Development Manager.

For a full description, please visit http://www.epx.ltd.uk/BDM.pdf

Applications must be submitted to EPX before the end of September 2012.

View | 0 Comments | Posted By admin | Posted 7th September 2012   

PRESS RELEASE – 9th March 2012 – IT SUPPORT COMPANY OFFERS FREE COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS

09-03-12

IT SUPPORT COMPANY OFFERS FREE COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS

The upcoming Education Show trade fair at Birmingham’s NEC will see Stafford-based IT support company EPX Technical Services launching a new special offer of free computers for schools and colleges.

Any educational establishment signing up to an IT maintenance contract with EPX for one, two or three years, will be eligible for the offer.

Daniel Ellis, Managing Director of EPX told us, “In many schools it is the ICT teacher who maintains the computer systems, but this can have its drawbacks. Now, increasing numbers of schools are looking to outsource this role in order to free up their own staff, so they can spend more time teaching.”

EPX bring their knowledge and experience of just about every kind of network and system to the complex learning environment, also helping schools to fix their IT costs. A typical service package includes regular on-site visits by a dedicated IT engineer, fixing small problems via remote support, and a 24 hour emergency call-out service.

Mr Ellis continued, “We are delighted to be showing our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and education by launching our Free PCs for Schools offer at the Education Show. Our maintenance packages already offer outstanding value for money for schools. By giving away free computers we are demonstrating how we are always prepared to go the extra mile for those in education.”

The deal is simple: For every £100 per month a school spends as part of a twelve-monthly maintenance contract with EPX the school will receive one PC, preinstalled with Windows, including on-site set up, absolutely free of charge. This also applies for every £75 per month spent over two years or every £50 per month over three years. The offer is open until 31st October 2012.

In conclusion, Mr Ellis said “We urge anyone interested in our Free PCs for Schools offer to come and chat with us at stand C86 at the Education Show.”

ENDS

1 – The Education Show runs from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th March 2012 at the NEC Birmingham. In 2012, the Education Show celebrates its 21st anniversary. Free to attend, the show is the UK’s largest showcase of educational resources, best practice methods and CPD training. Each year around 15,000 visitors test, sample, discuss and compare thousands of resources, designed to meet a huge range of educational needs. The vast array of resources, seminars and workshops, product training and demonstrations make this the most useful date in a school’s calendar.

2 – EPX Technical Services (EPX Limited) is an IT Support and Solutions company. Established in March 2005 in Stafford, Staffordshire, EPX Technical Services has since worked tirelessly to become a key player in the Midlands IT sector. Over the last 2 years, EPX Technical Services has seen significant expansion into the Midlands and North-West, providing our IT services to a wider range of customers. EPX continues to go from strength to strength, now working with clients Nationwide. Read more about EPX Ltd here - http://www.epx.ltd.uk/

3 – For further information about EPX Ltd or the Free PCs for Schools offer, please contact Daniel Ellis on 03333 44 00 98.

4 – Social media

http://www.facebook.com/EPXLtd
http://twitter.com/epxlimited

View | 0 Comments | Posted By admin | Posted 8th March 2012   

Free computers to schools

EPX Technical Services have maintenance contracts specifically designed for the Education sector.

An IT Engineer visits your school or college on a regular basis (once a week, twice a week, once a month  – however often you feel is necessary!) to look after the network with the backing of a skilled IT team back at head office.

When our engineer isn’t visiting and you still need fast support, our engineers at head office use our remote support service to fix your problems.  If you’d prefer, we can still send an IT engineer out to visit you if necessary.

To promote our services to schools,  EPX will be exhibiting at stand C86 of the Education Show 2012 at Birmingham’s NEC from the 15th-17th of March.

Free computer systems - about the offer

For schools willing to take on a maintenance contract with EPX,  we will provide certain numbers of free computer systems for use in classrooms or the school offices.

If you’d like to know more then please give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk you through it.  But if you’d prefer to meet us first then we can be found at stand C86 of The Education Show!

See also

The Education Show 2012 floorplan - Stand C86 in the ICT Zone

NEC H&S documentation for visiting schools

View | 0 Comments | Posted By admin | Posted 27th February 2012   

Why Outsource Your IT

Businesses, large and small, rely on computer systems to operate. It is unimaginable to think that in any industry, business can function without the benefits of today’s technology. Traditionally, a business has its own IT Support within its workforce. Since most modern systems have to be operative 24/7, the IT department is also staffed around the clock.

It does cost quite a sum to train and employ experts to serve the IT Services for any business. Some companies have turned to outsourcing IT Support to reduce costs. Although this is the primary reason for doing so, this is not the only advantage from this strategy. Let us try to discover why more and more companies have opted to outsource their IT Services.

Outsourced IT Support provides a wide range of services. This include consultation about business needs, installation of hardware, management of software systems, maintenance of network, and resolving computer security threats. This gives any company more chance to allot resources where it matters most – the core operation of its business.

Knowing that experts in the field operate your IT Helpdesk, you can be certain that your IT needs are satisfied according to standards. Your equipment is of good quality and licensed; your personnel are of adequate experience and certified. You also have the benefit of having only one point of contact for all IT-related concerns. No need to contact another team just because you have a different problem.

Ever had a technical issue and your own IT team was quite slow in responding to your calls for help? IT companies thrive because they are needed. They long to keep a good relationship with their clients. Outsourced IT Helpdesk tends to provide a quicker response in case any issues arise about an IT-related concern. They answer calls and emails immediately to assess circumstances and deliver the required solution. Outsourced IT Support is usually able to fix a problem remotely, removing the need for an on-site visit.

Companies specializing in outsourced IT Services continue to prosper because their support is central to any business. Companies that have hired and outsourced IT Support have realized a good return of their investment. This remains to be the trend in the business world today.

View | 0 Comments | Posted By admin | Posted 10th February 2012   

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