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More than half of UK households now have broadband at home to give them high speed internet access. Broadband means users can download large files in seconds, make phone calls or watch TV on the internet, and have instant access to their emails.
The speed of your connection dictates how quickly web pages will load or files download. The good news is that increased competition between broadband companies in the past couple of years has meant that broadband speeds have increased and prices fallen. For that reason it’s a good idea to think about switching providers if you’ve never done so before.
Since February 14, 2007 switching broadband providers has been much quicker and easier. New rules introduced by Ofcom made it compulsory for providers to supply customers with a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) on request.
A MAC is a unique alphanumeric reference that enables customers to switch broadband provider smoothly and with minimal disruption. To switch deals, first decide which package you want by using a comparison service, such as Broadbandgenie.co.uk or BroadbandChoices.co.uk. What’s available to you will depend on your postcode and which firms provide service in your area.
Next, get a MAC code from your current provider and contact your new provider, giving them your MAC code and previous provider's details. Your new provider will then contact your old provider and BT (who owns the phone lines) to arrange the transfer of your service.
Some providers – namely Sky, Orange and TalkTalk - offer “free” broadband, but these are all packaged deals that require customers to subscribe to other services, such as home phone, digital TV or a mobile phone contract, in order to get the free broadband. Others, such as Virgin Media, BT and Tiscali, offer “bundled” products where you pay one price each month for a package which includes broadband, phone calls and TV channels.
Pretty much all broadband customers expect you to pay by monthly direct debit and some won’t accept any other form of payment. There might also be some other charges, for example set-up or modem costs, or a charge per gigabyte if you go over your download limit.
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