New findings which show the broadband MAC code may not be working
United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland (Press Release) February 20, 2008 --
Nearly half decide to switch broadband provider to save money (1)
Just under half described switching process for broadband as difficult(2)
85 per cent found switching energy supplier to be much easier (3)
A third are scared of making the broadband switch (4)
Half of respondents had to wait over a week to obtain a MAC code (5)
In a follow up to BroadbandChoices.co.uk findings that a third of consumers are scared of making the broadband switch, new research has reviled that concerns are justified. Nearly a half of respondents have found the switching process to be difficult according to new research from BroadbandChoices.co.uk.
BroadbandChoices.co.uk research also uncovers that energy switching is much less of a headache, with 85 per cent of respondents finding the process to be easy compared to nearly half who found switching broadband provider as difficult.
Ofgem reports that around 300,000 consumers switch energy supplier every month with ease, while Broadband switching, which takes place less often (with only 154,917 switching per month)(6) , encounters far more problems. Michael Phillips, product development director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk says, “Our research has proven that switching energy supplier is much easier, so perhaps the broadband industry has something to learn from the energy industry?”
The findings come as the Migration Authorisation Code (MAC), introduced by Ofcom to allow consumers to seamlessly switch broadband providers celebrates its first anniversary.
Phillips explains “This new research further backs up our concerns and proves there needs to be a radical shake up of the switching procedures. It’s shocking to find that half of respondents have had to wait more than a week to obtain a MAC code, with some having to wait more than one month it’s simply unacceptable. Making migrations between the multitude of ISPs faster and simpler is a must.
A robust system needs to be put in place and we would suggest that, in the future, switching procedures should be facilitated by the new (or “joining”) provider. It’s in their interest to ensure that the customer can migrate to their services as smoothly and as quickly as possible. It shouldn’t be up to the consumer to battle between the two providers in order to switch-over,” concludes Phillips.
- Ends -
About BroadbandChoices.co.uk: http://www.BroadbandChoices.co.uk
BroadbandChoices.co.uk is a broadband comparison service in the UK. Unlike other comparison sites, BroadbandChoices.co.uk doesn’t just focus on price but total package value. Consumers can now refer to this impartial Website to access the latest broadband advice and deals, to help them make the right choice.
What makes BroadbandChoices.co.uk different:
Most comprehensive range of consumer guides and advice
Emphasis on value rather than cost alone
Variety of ways to rank products according to individual priorities
Detailed product information
A community of like minded people where you can read reviews or share your thoughts
Up-to-date information regarding key industry developments
Access to bespoke interactive tools (speed tester & download monitor)
1.44.9 per cent decided to switch to save money (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
2.18.8 per cent described switching process as difficult and 26.2 per cent described it as really difficult (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
3.41.1 per cent found switching energy supplier as very easy and 44.4 per cent found it as easy (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
4.BroadbandChoices.co.uk survey results (carried out by ICM research, December 2007) based on a survey of 1027 respondents
5.20.9 per cent took 1 – 2 week to obtain MAC code, 13.4 per cent took 2 –4 weeks and 14.4 per cent took over 1 month (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
6.Based on: 14.3 million people with the internet in the UK, of which 13% (1,859,000) switched in 2007 (Ofcom: The consumer experience 2007) – average of £154,917 each month
Just under half described switching process for broadband as difficult(2)
85 per cent found switching energy supplier to be much easier (3)
A third are scared of making the broadband switch (4)
Half of respondents had to wait over a week to obtain a MAC code (5)
In a follow up to BroadbandChoices.co.uk findings that a third of consumers are scared of making the broadband switch, new research has reviled that concerns are justified. Nearly a half of respondents have found the switching process to be difficult according to new research from BroadbandChoices.co.uk.
BroadbandChoices.co.uk research also uncovers that energy switching is much less of a headache, with 85 per cent of respondents finding the process to be easy compared to nearly half who found switching broadband provider as difficult.
Ofgem reports that around 300,000 consumers switch energy supplier every month with ease, while Broadband switching, which takes place less often (with only 154,917 switching per month)(6) , encounters far more problems. Michael Phillips, product development director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk says, “Our research has proven that switching energy supplier is much easier, so perhaps the broadband industry has something to learn from the energy industry?”
The findings come as the Migration Authorisation Code (MAC), introduced by Ofcom to allow consumers to seamlessly switch broadband providers celebrates its first anniversary.
Phillips explains “This new research further backs up our concerns and proves there needs to be a radical shake up of the switching procedures. It’s shocking to find that half of respondents have had to wait more than a week to obtain a MAC code, with some having to wait more than one month it’s simply unacceptable. Making migrations between the multitude of ISPs faster and simpler is a must.
A robust system needs to be put in place and we would suggest that, in the future, switching procedures should be facilitated by the new (or “joining”) provider. It’s in their interest to ensure that the customer can migrate to their services as smoothly and as quickly as possible. It shouldn’t be up to the consumer to battle between the two providers in order to switch-over,” concludes Phillips.
- Ends -
About BroadbandChoices.co.uk: http://www.BroadbandChoices.co.uk
BroadbandChoices.co.uk is a broadband comparison service in the UK. Unlike other comparison sites, BroadbandChoices.co.uk doesn’t just focus on price but total package value. Consumers can now refer to this impartial Website to access the latest broadband advice and deals, to help them make the right choice.
What makes BroadbandChoices.co.uk different:
Most comprehensive range of consumer guides and advice
Emphasis on value rather than cost alone
Variety of ways to rank products according to individual priorities
Detailed product information
A community of like minded people where you can read reviews or share your thoughts
Up-to-date information regarding key industry developments
Access to bespoke interactive tools (speed tester & download monitor)
1.44.9 per cent decided to switch to save money (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
2.18.8 per cent described switching process as difficult and 26.2 per cent described it as really difficult (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
3.41.1 per cent found switching energy supplier as very easy and 44.4 per cent found it as easy (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
4.BroadbandChoices.co.uk survey results (carried out by ICM research, December 2007) based on a survey of 1027 respondents
5.20.9 per cent took 1 – 2 week to obtain MAC code, 13.4 per cent took 2 –4 weeks and 14.4 per cent took over 1 month (BroadbandChoices.co.uk research Feb 2008)
6.Based on: 14.3 million people with the internet in the UK, of which 13% (1,859,000) switched in 2007 (Ofcom: The consumer experience 2007) – average of £154,917 each month
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