ISPs sign up to new Code of PracticePosted 03/08/2004
Britain's biggest internet service providers (ISPs) have agreed to a new voluntary Code of Practice that allows consumers to switch between broadband companies more easily.
The code of practice has been developed by an industry working group as a self-regulatory initiative and allows customers wanting to 'migrate' to another service to do so. The current system of migration is complex, disruptive and lengthy.
Sixteen service providers, representing 70 per cent of the ADSL market, have already signed up to the code. However, the process will not support migrations between ADSL and cable modem-based services.
Under the new system, any customer wishing to migrate from their existing provider will be provided with an 'authority code' from their existing providers, which they give to their new service provider as evidence that agreement to the migration has been reached.
Chair of the working group, Richard Sweet said: "This demonstrates that broadband service providers can regulate themselves, without the need for Ofcom intervention. Whilst we all want our customers to stay, we believe there needs to be a proper and seamless process to allow customers to move, should they choose to do so."
Increased competition has also led to dramatic price falls among broadband providers. The Office of National Statistics recently reported that 27 per cent of UK net connections were broadband in June. © DeHavilland Information Services plc
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