BT failing to provide a MAC

I requested a MAC from my ISP (= not BT) last week, who in keeping me updated on the progress of things can't tell me any more than that the system is slow/BT aren't responding.

I don't really suspect my ISP of playing for time here. Can I do anything at all to give BT (Openreach, I'm told) a kick up the proverbial, and actually get a MAC? It's very tiring waiting while nothing happens.

Edited by srr (Mon 14-Jul-08 19:50:19)

You can complain to Ofcom (about your ISP) if they don't supply your MAC (or a valid reason why not) within 5 working days.

Cheers, but I don't think I'd have any case to say they haven't given me a valid reason.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. There are valid reasons for a MAC not being given to you, things like you haven't "proved" that you are the broadband line "owner", or there is no broadband on the line. Your ISP should either give you the MAC or tell you why they can't. If you don't get the MAC or a reason complain to Ofcom (they can sort out whether it's your ISP or BT at fault).

Ofcom MAC code of practice:

A1.11 The Communications Provider shall only refuse to issue a MAC to their End-User if:

1. the Communications Provider has, by taking reasonable steps, been unable to validate the identity of the person requesting the MAC as the End-User;
2. the Broadband Service contract has already been terminated;
3. a MAC which is still within its MAC validity period has already been requested and issued by the Communications Provider in relation to the Broadband Service; and
4. the Communications Provider has already submitted a Cease Request for the Broadband Service; and
5. the Communications Provider is unable to obtain a MAC from a Broadband Network Communications Provider.

A1.12 Where the Communications Provider is unable to, or refuses to, provide a MAC to the End-User, the Communications Provider shall provide the End-User with a clear explanation of why the MAC has not been provided.

*

This is what I've been given; I don't have a problem with that. What I want to know is if there's anything I can do that's basically akin to shouting FIX IT! at BT (the Broadband Network Communications Provider as Ofcom put it) - or if anyone else here has had similar problems and how that turned out in the end.

I have no idea what reason 5

the Communications Provider is unable to obtain a MAC from a Broadband Network Communications Provider.

actually means.

Ah!

I'd just got halfway through a post explaining this when I got an email with a MAC after all.

What actually went on behind the scenes I'll never know. Good luck to anyone in a similar situation.

Good. Hope your migration goes smoothly.

I appreciate that you appear to be all sorted now, but would just like to point out that Openreach have absolutely nothing to do with the MAC process, and whom ever told you this was passing the buck.
Your current ISP has the responsibility for providing a MAC.

The MAC's are generated by a system operated and maintained by Openreach