Information about MAC codes
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
| Provider | Contact Number |
| AAISP | 01344 400 999 |
| AOL/Talktalk | 0870 320 2020 0870 444 1820 |
| Brightview Internet Services | 0207 665 3000 |
| BT Broadband | 0800 800 030 |
| Bulldog | 0800 404 8151 08712 225 550 |
| Care4free | 0870 160 9901 |
| Claranet | 0845 355 2000 |
| Community Internet | 01865 856 170 |
| Dark Marketing | 0870 742 4455 |
| Demon | 0845 272 2333 0845 272 0040 |
| Dial Start | 0870 160 1385 |
| Easynet | 0845 333 4400 0845 333 3500 |
| Eclipse Internet | 0845 122 4111 |
| EFHBroadband.com | 0870 141 7038 |
| Entanet | 0871 433 3682 |
| Fast.co.uk | 0870 881 3278 |
| Freenetname | 0870 909 0586 |
| Freeserve | 0844 412 2202 |
| Global Internet | 0870 909 8100 |
| ic24 | 0870 160 1381 |
| Internet Central | 01782 667766 |
| InterViVo Networks | 0845 345 9234 |
| KCom | 0148 260 2555 |
| LCC Communications | 0870 242 7443 |
| Madasafish | 0870 160 1386 |
| Metronet | 0870 284 0284 |
| Netplan Internet Solutions | 0870 751 8345 |
| NewNet | 0132 922 6722 |
| Nildram | 08701 608 600 0870 094 6000 |
| NTL/Telewest Business | 0800 953 0180 |
| O2 | 0800 977 7337 |
| Orange | 0870 0102 462 |
| Orange Business | 0844 412 2202 |
| Pipex Internet | 0845 077 8324 08712 225 550 |
| PlusNet | 0845 140 0200 |
| Sky | 08705 515 515 |
| Spitfire | 0207 501 3030 |
| TalkTalk Business | 0870 444 1820 |
| Totalise | 0870 160 9905 |
| Tiscali | 0845 077 4488 0870 740 0801 |
| UK Online | 0800 053 2222 |
| Unicom | 0161 946 4664 |
| Uniworld | 0845 458 4510 |
| Vialtus (former Pipex Business) | 0871 222 5550 |
| Virgin Media | 0845 840 7777 |
| Vodafone | 0870 070 3202 |
| Waitrose.com | 0800 980 0018 |
| XLN | 0844 880 6119 |
| Zen Internet | 0845 058 9000 0845 058 9009 |
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