Migration Authorisation Code
Encyclopedia
In the United Kingdom
a Migration Authorization Code (MAC) is a 17 to 19-character unique identifier
code used by DSL
customers when they wish to switch internet service provider
(ISP). A MAC is generated by the actual telecommunication provider (most commonly BT
), identifies the local loop
(telephone line) to be switched, and authorises the provider to switch the customer to the new ISP.
MACs usually begin with "BBIP", "FTIP", "BBDS", or "BBDP", and consist of 4 letters, 7 digits (sometimes up to 9), a forward slash, 2 letters, 2 digits (this indicates the day in the month the MAC was issued), and 1 final letter. (For example: BBIP87654321/AB12C).
The code was first introduced by Ofcom
and BT as a voluntary code of practice.
However, as of 14 February 2007, the rule became compulsory (General Condition No. 22: Service Migrations). This meant that if a broadband customer requested a MAC from their ISP then the provider must supply one free of charge. The rules were implemented in order to ease the process of switching ISPs. Switching customers will usually only lose their Internet connection for up to a few hours during the migration.
At least once in the past, in a crisis situation, BT set up a help line to enable customers to get their MAC codes directly from BT Wholesale.
(LLU) MAC, identifiable by its first 2 characters being LL. If a company will not accept an LLU MAC then the connection (or "asset") must be cancelled with the old provider and re-provided under the new provider. Some providers charge for provide orders but not for migrate-in orders and the current LLU system is costing customers up to £
50 per provider change. The process of migrating across with a MAC takes 3–10 days as opposed to 17 days to cease an asset and 7–10 days to provide a new order.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
a Migration Authorization Code (MAC) is a 17 to 19-character unique identifier
Unique identifier
With reference to a given set of objects, a unique identifier is any identifier which is guaranteed to be unique among all identifiers used for those objects and for a specific purpose...
code used by DSL
Digital Subscriber Line
Digital subscriber line is a family of technologies that provides digital data transmission over the wires of a local telephone network. DSL originally stood for digital subscriber loop. In telecommunications marketing, the term DSL is widely understood to mean Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ,...
customers when they wish to switch internet service provider
Internet service provider
An Internet service provider is a company that provides access to the Internet. Access ISPs directly connect customers to the Internet using copper wires, wireless or fiber-optic connections. Hosting ISPs lease server space for smaller businesses and host other people servers...
(ISP). A MAC is generated by the actual telecommunication provider (most commonly BT
BT Group
BT Group plc is a global telecommunications services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is one of the largest telecommunications services companies in the world and has operations in more than 170 countries. Through its BT Global Services division it is a major supplier of...
), identifies the local loop
Local loop
In telephony, the local loop is the physical link or circuit that connects from the demarcation point of the customer premises to the edge of the carrier or telecommunications service provider's network...
(telephone line) to be switched, and authorises the provider to switch the customer to the new ISP.
MACs usually begin with "BBIP", "FTIP", "BBDS", or "BBDP", and consist of 4 letters, 7 digits (sometimes up to 9), a forward slash, 2 letters, 2 digits (this indicates the day in the month the MAC was issued), and 1 final letter. (For example: BBIP87654321/AB12C).
Background
After a request for a MAC it should be provided by the ISP within five working days. MACs are valid for 30 days once issued, providing the customer with the opportunity of switching ISPs within that period. It usually takes around three to ten working days for accounts to be switched over from one ISP to another.The code was first introduced by Ofcom
Ofcom
Ofcom is the government-approved regulatory authority for the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in the United Kingdom. Ofcom was initially established by the Office of Communications Act 2002. It received its full authority from the Communications Act 2003...
and BT as a voluntary code of practice.
However, as of 14 February 2007, the rule became compulsory (General Condition No. 22: Service Migrations). This meant that if a broadband customer requested a MAC from their ISP then the provider must supply one free of charge. The rules were implemented in order to ease the process of switching ISPs. Switching customers will usually only lose their Internet connection for up to a few hours during the migration.
Reasons for refusal
The grounds on which an ISP may refuse to issue a MAC are:- The ISP is unable to confirm the identity of the account holder by performing standard checks
- The broadband service contract has already been terminated
- A valid MAC has already been requested and issued by the ISP
- The ISP has already submitted a cease request for the broadband service
- The underlying broadband network communications provider used by the ISP is unable to generate a MAC. In the UK the underlying broadband network communications provider is generally BTBT GroupBT Group plc is a global telecommunications services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is one of the largest telecommunications services companies in the world and has operations in more than 170 countries. Through its BT Global Services division it is a major supplier of...
as they own the majority of the telecoms infrastructure. - If the service is provided over an MPF or "fully unbundled" network (where the ISP provides Broadband, Line Rental and Calls together)
- Ofcom regulations only apply to individuals and businesses with less than 15 employees. The MAC request must be made by the end user.
Problems
Some ISPs, such as Pipex have been reported to be unwilling to provide MACs even if they have no reasonable grounds for refusal.At least once in the past, in a crisis situation, BT set up a help line to enable customers to get their MAC codes directly from BT Wholesale.
Local loop unbundling
Many providers in the UK will not accept a local loop unbundlingLocal loop unbundling
Local loop unbundling is the regulatory process of allowing multiple telecommunications operators to use connections from the telephone exchange to the customer's premises...
(LLU) MAC, identifiable by its first 2 characters being LL. If a company will not accept an LLU MAC then the connection (or "asset") must be cancelled with the old provider and re-provided under the new provider. Some providers charge for provide orders but not for migrate-in orders and the current LLU system is costing customers up to £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
50 per provider change. The process of migrating across with a MAC takes 3–10 days as opposed to 17 days to cease an asset and 7–10 days to provide a new order.