Step By Step Guide On Switching DSL Providers

Are you thinking of changing your DSL provider but not sure how? Perhaps your wondering how complicated it will be and if you will experience downtime during the switch over. Will your present company penalise you for leaving? When you want to change from one provider to another there are many questions that seem left unanswered. Many rumors fly around about DSL providers not releasing information to the new company and customers experiencing weeks (in some cases even months) suspended between one provider and the other, unable to connect to the internet at all.

This article comes with good and bad news. There is truth in these rumors and as DSL providers have a notoriously bad reputation when it comes to letting customers leave their service. However legislation requires DSL providers who are part of the MAC code scheme to release all customers MAC codes (explained later) within 5 working days. Most companies are fairly good at this now and the majority of migrating customers receive this code within the allotted time. Some even receive it within the hour.

Now let's look at how to change DSL providers. First of all you need to ensure that you are no longer tied to your current DSL contract. This is usually a fixed 12 months but it is important to check before trying to switch. When you have found a DSL provider that suits your needs and have made the decision to switch you can sign up before even mentioning it to your present provider. When you sign, the new company will ask you for a MAC CODE. This migration code allows your data to be transferred from one service to the next. In order to get this code you will need to contact your current service provider and request it. Some will email it to you, others will send it in writing but either way you should receive it within 5 working days.

Once you receive your MAC code this does not mean that you are disconnected from your old provider immediately. You should remain connected until your new company takes over and therefore experience no downtime at all. Sometimes there can be confusion and you may find yourself disconnected for 24 hours however. Your MAC code will be valid for 30 days and once you receive it you will need to inform your new DSL Providers. Once they receive it, they will give you a date of switch over which is usually about 2 weeks.

From this date on, you should be able to connect to your new DSL providers' service, it may however be worth just checking that you have been disconnected from the old one in order to avoid being billed twice.

Some DSL providers will penalise you for leaving but this is becoming less common as time progresses. This is usually in the form of a one off charge. With new services popping up all the time it is important to keep your eye out for a good deal, but remember to check the small print before you sign.