HV know this and capitalise on this.

Honestly couldn't say how any of them think anymore Joe. There was a time when I could get through to Hi-V towers and mediate, but I left there several years ago and have no sort of input anymore.

TBH i think they always been like that and were happy with you until you used the word MAC

I had to ask twice to get my MAC code, 1st time via the standard request and then I e-mailed Ant who got me it within a short space of time. No animosity at all on either part in my case. Was happy enough with the service, just as I'm happy with the service I get from Xifos.

Should I move my connection again it would be to either Be Unlimited now that they offer their service in my exchange or to Sky (also in the exchange) and their Max package - already got their satellite service (never had any problems in the years we've had it)

Still know enough folks with Hi-V connections who are happy enough with their connections. If it had not been for the offer of a better deal, then I would possibly still be with Hi-V. Then again I may have been with Sky or Be Unlimited I suppose.

Either way, it's in the past and that's just that - the past, just the same as the nightmare with Tiscali and also with Bulldog. I see no point dwelling on things like that.

See you don't really understand Tom and to be honest mate, its flippant to say its in the past, when it never happened to you. You really can not compare Be or Tiscali to the trouble i had and how personal it all got. It was in another league that you really can not comprehend. I had a nightmare at UKonline , i don't go on and on about that, its because it was a duff utility company and nothing more.

It takes a long time for official mechanisms to kick in, best way forward if MAC is unforthcoming is to talk to Citizens Advice and get an impartial clear head involved, and either

a) Draft a simple letter than cannot be construed as absusive at all asking for your MAC and give a deadline and inform them that Ofcom and Trading Standards will be contacted if this expires.
or
b) Contact and ask for a total service cease, keep it plain and simple, no shouting or anything

(b) may cost you more money, but they may be more willing to do this.

ofcom will probably listen but refuse to act on individual cases until it is shown that many are suffering and with small providers this is a big problem as the volume will be small.

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/guide/resolving_a_problem.html has some links and words that may be worth reading.