Broadband

Okay so you already have Broadband Internet so why change providers?

Well for one thing the chances are that if you've had Broadband for 12-18 months then changing providers can not only save you money but also greatly improve your Broadband speed. To put this into perspective a 1Mb link today cost around the same you paid for just 256k a year ago.

If you're coming up to the end of your contract or if you've been with the same broadband provider for over 12 months then the chances are you can move to another supplier at zero cost.

The key benefits of switching broadband providers is to increase speed and / or reduce monthly costs (And if you want to see what a difference increased speed makes why not see Broadband Speed) Not only that, many Broadband suppliers now offer value added services such as free wireless broadband routers to new customers.

A word of warning though. If you just cancel you're existing service and take out a new broadband contract then you'll end up without Broadband for several days at the least. You wouldn't do this with a mobile phone after all would you?

However Switching Broadband providers is a simple process, as the majority of the main Broadband providers have signed up to a code of practice which is designed to make the process of changing Broadband suppliers as easy as possible.

The process of transfering Broadband providers is very similar to that used in the mobile phone industry whereby numbers are ‘ported’ between mobile phone operators thus meaning no 'downtime'. With Broadband you are given a code that your new Broadband provider will use to transfer you swiftly. This Broadband transfer code is known as a ‘Migration Authority Code’ (MAC). Once the MAC code has been transferred between your old Broadband provider and your new provider, then your Broadband service should transfer over without any interruption.

If you do decide to switch Broadband providers you shouldn't cancel your current subscription with your existing Broadband provider. Allow your new provider to do the work for you using the MAC number, this should then result in the automatic termination of your existing provider. (Note: Although this process is 'Automatic' we'd advise checking to ensure that your existing service is terminated. Also you should note that if you transfer suppliers before your exiting Broadband contract has run out you will be liable for any outstanding charges).

Lastly if you do decide to move providers your existing Broadband supplier may try to entice you with a free upgrade / reduced cost in order to keep your business which may simplify your decision.

Richard Allen - The author has more than 12 years experience high end purchasing experience in the IT & Telco industry - having worked for major blue chip companies such as Yellow Pages, T-Mobile and Ntl. For impartial information and a beginners guide to broadband please visit the authors site at http://www.broadband-inter.net