This page provides answers to some of the common questions asked when moving from one ISP to another.

What is migration?
How do I migrate to another ISP?
What is a MAC Key?
How much downtime will there be?
How does Migration using the MAC key work?
How much does it cost to migrate?
Can I migrate from LLU to IPStream?
Are there any other fees I should know about?
Migration Problems
Glossary.

 ~ What is migration?

Migration is the process of moving between ISPs without actually ceasing your adsl connection and involves a minimum amount of "downtime" whilst the transfer of your adsl service takes place.

There is a voluntary code of conduct which is overseen by the regulator OFCOM. ISPs who subscribe to the Code of Practice are listed here.

 ~ How do I migrate?

To migrate to another ISP you need to request a MAC key from your existing Internet Service Provider.
According to OFCOM rules, your ISP must pass this on to you within 5 working days.

You then simply need to provide your new ISP with your MAC key, when you sign up with them and select which date you wish to migrate on.

When contacting your existing ISP its important that you do not mention the word "cancel" as canceling means removing the adsl service from your line, rather than transferring between ISPs.

 ~ What is a MAC key?

The 'Migration Authorisation Code' is a unique number used to identify your adsl connection. MAC keys can only be used once and automatically expire after 30 days.

Since the end of 2006, the ownership of MAC keys has come under BT Openreach's remit, who own and generate the MAC keys. Previous formats such as BBIP/FTIP have been replaced and have a new format as follows:

Do not confuse the term MAC key ('Migration Authorisation/Access Code') with MAC address (which is a unique number assigned to say an ethernet card in your computer or other network device).

 ~ How much down time will there be?

The amount of downtime can vary, and will also depend on which type of service you are transferring between, but the following is a guide.

• IPStream <-> IPStream ~
  These migrations tend to occur in the wee small hours and down time is hardly noticeable as often there is a small time span where you can connect to both ISPs.
• IPStream <-> DataStream ~
  Average downtime around 30 mins at most. Requires engineer so done during working hours.
• IPStream/DataStream <-> SMPF LLU ~
  Average downtime around 30 mins. Requires engineer so done during working hours.
• IPStream/DataStream <-> FMPF LLU ~
  Expect some downtime when both the phone line and adsl are out of service. Usually performed during working day although if an ISP has recently gone live at an exchange, then migrations may occur during the evenings.
• ADSL <-> Cable ~ No migration process in place. - Cease and re-provide required.

 ~ How does migration using the MAC key work?

Once you have given your new ISP your MAC key they then ask BTw/Openreach to transfer your adsl to your new ISP.

On the date on which you have chosen to migrate, BTw will then change your ISP details. This action may be carried out remotely or it may require an engineer to carry out work at the exchange, this depends on the type of adsl used by the loosing and gaining ISP.

• IPStream <-> IPStream ~
  Which ISP you can connect to depends upon something called SSB (Service Selection Barring). SSB and stage 1 Authentication is carried out at the bRAS, so in effect all BTw do is change on their records which ISP you are allowed to connect to. Sometimes there is a slight overlap where for a couple of days you may be able to connect to both ISPs until the migration has been fully completed.
• IPStream <-> DataStream ~
  The DataStream ISP rents a specific VP on the BTw DSLAM at the exchange, therefore an engineer is required to re-jumper your line to connect to a new line card and/or DSLAM. On some smaller exchanges which may only have 1 or 2 dslams, it is sometimes possible to configure remotely if you are already on the same dslam.
• IPStream/DataStream <-> SMPF LLU ~
  Shared Metallic Path LLU providers have their own DSLAM/MSAN in the exchange for adsl. An engineer is required to move your adsl connection to a different DSLAM/MSAN.
• IPStream/DataStream/ SMPF LLU<-> FMPF LLU ~
  Full Metallic Path LLU is when both your voice line and adsl is provisioned by a Telco other than BT. An engineer is required to move both the voice line and adsl to the new ISP's MSAN at the exchange.
  FMP ISPs include TalkTalk and Tiscali. It does not include ISPs such as Plusnet, BT, IDNet, Vispa etc who may provide telephone services and adsl but still using BTw's equipment. Be, Sky, UKO use SMP LLU.

Once the work has been completed BT Openreach should advise the loosing ISP that you have been moved.

 ~ How much does it cost to migrate?

OFCOM's code of Practice states that an ISP should issue a MAC free of charge, nor can they withhold the issue of a MAC key due to funds outstanding.

This however does not free you from making payment of any outstanding amounts nor the obligation to pay any fees that may be owing due to you still being within a contract period.

BTw Costs

• IPStream/Datastream <-> IPStream/Datastream migrations = £11.00 + VAT
• LLU --> IPStream/Datastream = £40.00 + VAT
• SMPF Bulk Migration = £25.39 + VAT.

These fees are paid by the gaining ISP, and its up to your new ISP as to whether or not they pass this amount on to you, either up front or deferred in a contract. Several ISPs will pay this fee on your behalf, but if you cancel with your new ISP within a short period of time, you may find that they will claim this fee back from you so check out the T+C's.

 ~ Can I migrate from LLU to IPStream?

Not all ISPs can deal with LLU or Datastream migrations. Some ISPs are trialling a LLU to IPStream migration path, although this process can be comparatively slower than non-LLU migration.

ISPs currently able to accept LLU Mac codes:

• Entanet resellers (Aquiss, Freeola, Swift, UKFSN, Vivaciti, Xifos)
• Brightview Group (Madasafish, Globalnet, Waitrose).
• IDNet
• NamesCo
• PlusNet & vISPs (F9, FreeOnLine, Metronet)
• Zen

If your chosen ISP cannot accept LLU migration, then you will have to go through a full cease and reprovide of adsl which may involve several weeks of down time.

 ~ Are there any other Fees I should know about?

• Full Cease of adsl on the line (not migration) = £15.75 + VAT
• New adsl Provision (or migration from LLU) = £40.00 + VAT

Be aware about moving to/from a FMP LLU provider (TalkTalk & Tiscali), if they take control of your telephone line, then it will also cost to move back to a BT based line rental.

• PSTN new line connection = £124.99 inc VAT
• Conversion of FMPF LLU to a single Wholesale Access line = £40.96 inc VAT.

 ~ Problems?

• Tag on the line. ~ This is when you have a marker on your line from a pre-existing adsl connection which hasn't been removed correctly. It is now the responsibility of the gaining ISP to resolve this issue.
• Slamming ~ When a Telco/ISP takes over your line/connection without consent. TalkTalk was a major culprit of slamming - particularly their "door knocker" type salesmen who try sell you cheaper phone rental, but also move your broadband connection. Tiscali has also earned a poor reputation for telephone slamming - along with its subsidiary Pipex.

Guidelines for complaints and disputes can be seen at the OFCOM site here.

 ~ Glossary

• IPStream - Method of provisioning adsl using BTw equipment at the exchange and BTw backhaul services. This method is used by most of the medium/smaller ISPs and also larger ISPs if they havent unbundled your exchange.
• DataStream - Method of provisioning adsl using BTw equiment at the exchange but renting a virtual path with a fixed amount of bandwidth.
• LLU - Local Loop Unbundling - when the ISP has some of their own equipment in the local exchange.
• SMPF LLU - Shared Metallic Path Facility. The ISP has their own equipment in the exchange for adsl provision. (Be, O2, Sky, UKO
• FMPF LLU - Full Metallic Path Facility. The ISP has their own equipment in the exchange for adsl and telephone. (Tiscali + TalkTalk).
• WLR - Wholesale Line Rental - provisioning of Telephony services using BTw Equipment.
• PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network.

last updated Oct 08