CCP has called on Ofcom
July 1, 2009
Ofcom has been asked by communications consumer panel to make it easy for broadband bundle customers to change their provider. In the existing Ofcom rules, MAC switching process is used by broadband providers under BT Broadband, who use BT’s telephone network to carry their broadband, whereby the customers are transferred from one provider to a new without causing any disconnection.
Many broadband customers are changing to local loop unbundled (LLU) provider which provides broadband bundle services such as home phone and digital TV. Although MAC codes are accepted by few LLU providers, customers with fully unbundled lines where the same supplier provides for both home and broadband face difficulties to change to new LLU providers. In some cases people will have to pay £122.50 to rejoin the BT network.
Communications Consumer Panel (CCP) has asked telecoms watchdog Ofcom to make the shifting easier and quick for consumers who purchase bundles of services.
Anna Bradley Panel Chair said in a letter to Ofcom’s director of consumer affairs, Claudio Pollack that Ofcom should find a procedure whereby the customers who buy bundles of services can change the provider easily and quickly. Letter also said that they are looking forward to see Ofcom developing a solo switching method very soon.
Ofcom has also been asked by CCP for strengthening their rules intended to guard its customers from fixed-line “mis-selling”.
Bradley also suggested that Ofcom should force financial penalties on providers that break rules which in turn will increase compliance all over the country.
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