- What is a MAC Code?
- What if I don't provide a MAC Code or just cancel my existing broadband connection?
- How do I get a MAC Code?
- How long will it take for me to get AOL Broadband after I have provided the MAC Code?
- What happens if I am still under contract with another broadband provider?
- What should I do if my current broadband provider doesn't want to provide me with a MAC Code?
- How long is my MAC Code valid for?
- What is a MAC Code?
- If you want to change your broadband service from another provider to AOL Broadband, you'll need a Migration Authority Code (MAC) to make sure your service is not disrupted. A MAC Code is issued by your broadband provider and is used to switch from one ADSL broadband provider to another. MAC stands for Migration Authorisation Code. It's basically a code that we need as your new broadband provider to swap your connection over with minimal interruption. If you come to us as a migrating customer with a MAC Code in hand from your current provider, you should only lose service for a few hours and we will make sure this is kept to a minimum. Sometimes, you might not have been able to provide a MAC Code during the order process (for example if you ordered AOL Broadband in a Carphone Warehouse store). Don't worry, if this is the case, we will contact you when one is needed with details on how to proceed.
Please note – you don't need a MAC Code unless you have an existing ADSL broadband connection. If your broadband connection is supplied by a cable company, you don't need a MAC Code.Back to top - What if I don't provide a MAC Code or just cancel my existing broadband connection?
- If you chose to disconnect first and then come over to AOL Broadband without a MAC Code, you might be without any broadband connection for up to four weeks. Back to top
- How do I get a MAC Code?
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To get your MAC Code, simply contact your current broadband provider. Don't worry; it's standard procedure to ask for it, and their customer services will know what they have to do. We have listed the contact details for some of the main broadband providers below. Once you have a MAC Code, simply enter it during the online registration process and we will do the rest for you.
- BT Broadband - 0800 085 6161
- Carphone Warehouse TalkTalk - 0800 049 0049
- Clara.net - 0845 355 2000
- Demon - 0800 027 0582
- Eclipse - 0845 1224 111
- Madasafish - 0844 395 0830
- Nildram - 0800 197 1474
- One.Tel - 0845 818 8000
- Orange Wanadoo - 0870 010 2462
- Pipex - 0845 077 2537
- PlusNet - 0845 140 0200
- Sky Broadband - 08700 248 900
- Tiscali - 0800 107 9000
- Toucan - 0800 0613 615
- Virgin.net - 0845 045 1303
- Waitrose - 0800 013 2282
- How long will it take for me to get AOL Broadband after I have provided the MAC Code?
- After we've received the code, we'll send you a letter confirming the details of your order and any additional information that you might need. It generally takes 2 weeks from the date you provided your MAC Code for your AOL Broadband connection to be activated on your phone line. Back to top
- What happens if I am still under contract with another broadband provider?
- You will probably be charged a cancellation fee by your current provider for leaving your contract. Please consult the terms and conditions of your contract when leaving your current provider.
Alternatively, you can decide to stay with your current provider for the remainder of your contractual term. Then, just before the end of your contract, just contact us and give us your MAC Code details and you should be up and running with AOL Broadband within a couple of weeks. Back to top - What should I do if my current broadband provider doesn't want to provide me with a MAC Code?
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All broadband providers must comply with Ofcom regulations. This requires them to provide a MAC code upon request within five working days if one is available and if you are eligible to receive it. You should contact your current provider to remind them of this, and to ask them whether you actually require a MAC code to allow you to move to another broadband provider. If your broadband provider is unable to give you a MAC code they must explain why.
If your current broadband provider does not provide you with a MAC code or you find that you don’t actually require one, you can disconnect your broadband service by telling them that you wish to cancel your account. Then, you can order AOL Broadband via the usual online order process, at myaolbroadband.co.uk.
Back to top - How long is my MAC Code valid for?
- It is valid for 30 days from the date your provider issues it to you. If you don't use it within the 30 days, then your current broadband connection will not be ceased. Should this time period expire, you can simply request a new MAC Code from your current provider free of charge. Back to top