Industry watchdog Ofcom has proposed changes to make it easier for internet customers to transfer between broadband service providers.

Research completed in April 2006 found that in most cases, processes enabling customers to sign up to, and switch between, broadband providers were effective but when problem did arise they were serious and disruptive to customers.

Customers complained that is was difficult to obtain a migration authorisation code (MAC) – needed to switch broadband provider - from their current supplier.

"The MAC process is part of a voluntary industry initiative. This means that providers who make it difficult for their customers to obtain a MAC are unlikely to be in breach of any formal obligations, limiting Ofcom’s ability to take action to protect consumers," explained a statement from the body.

As such, Ofcom has proposed plans to introduce new regulations that will apply to all providers of telecommunications services to make it mandatory for broadband service providers to supply the MAC on request.

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