Sounds like I could be wrong then. I definitely didn't need one and I've heard others say they didn't need one! Well there's no technical reason why you need one because the FTTC service just starts working when the cabinet work is done by the engineer. The VDSL signal from the cabinet blocks out the ADSL signal from the exchange. I know that's not relevant to you though.

Ah well, if they insist on a MAC that must be how it is, annoying nonetheless.

As I pointed out in post before - Ofcom have deemed as from 20th June a MacCode will no longer be required - just let your new preferred ISP know that you won't to sign up and they will take care of transfer from old ISP, no doubt you will need to be out of original contract term. Ofcom believes that it will be easier and drive up competition ?
Appreciate your comments

Yes I read up on that. The new provider pulls the broadband connection over in the same way as when you switch voice providers. I doubt it'll increase competition but it'll certainly make things easier.

Still seems odd a MAC is required when switching to FTTC at present. I just can't think what the purpose is.

Still seems odd a MAC is required when switching to FTTC at present.

Quite possibly because he is also changing ISP rather than simply upgrading the connection for which a MAC has never been required.

In reply to a post by MCM:

Still seems odd a MAC is required when switching to FTTC at present.

Quite possibly because he is also changing ISP rather than simply upgrading the connection for which a MAC has never been required.

Yes thats my thinking as well - Thanks

I know this is off topic but if someone could explain why a MAC is required when switching to FTTC I'd be interested to hear.

Because you continue to fail to understand the poster is CHANGING ISP. Whilst FTTC is fibre to the cabinet is uses the same copper line from the cabinet to the premises and thus the ADSL provider needs to be aware of the FTTC install.

I'm not failing to understand anything! The cheek of it!

But still I don't get why a MAC is required. I understand the poster is changing ISPs. Why can't they just cancel their existing broadband service and then place an order for FTTC with the company they want?

As soon as the jumpering work is done at the cabinet the new FTTC service with the new ISP will work. The old ADSL broadband can continue pumping out of the DSLAM in the exchange until the old ISP choose to disconnect it. See what I mean?

I'm not failing to understand anything! The cheek of it!

Nothing cheeky at all. <g> What is interesting is that you seem to be the only person seemingly having a problem with this however it is all somewhat academic since, as you already know, MACs will no longer be required from the end of this week.

A.N. Other ISP cannot place an order for FTTC on a line that has an active ADSL service. The OP would need to cease and reorder which would mean probably mean weeks without service. A migration should mean minimal time without service.