Does Tiscali support migrations to and from other service providers using MAC Codes?
What is a MAC code?
How do I switch to Tiscali from other service providers?
Do I cancel my account with my current broadband provider?
Can I switch from any service provider?
Will my MAC Code expire?
How long does it take to migrate to Tiscali?
Does it involve any downtime?
Once the actual switch occurs, will I be able to connect straight away?
My current service is 512k, when switching to Tiscali can I register for 1Mb/2Mb?
Can I switch from a cable provider e.g. NTL or Telewest?
Can everyone switch from Tiscali?
How do I get a Mac Code?
I have registered for Tiscali using my Mac Code - can I delay my migration date?
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Does Tiscali support migrations to and from other service providers using MAC Codes?
Yes Tiscali does support migrations to and from other service providers using MAC codes.
What is a MAC code?
MAC stands for Migration Authorisation Code. It is issued by your broadband provider and is used to seamlessly switch from one provider to another without having to wait weeks to cease your line and re-register with another provider.
How do I switch to Tiscali from other service providers?
It's easy to switch to Tiscali. A summary of the steps required to switch to Tiscali are:
1. Obtain your MAC Code from your current broadband provider. This is normally achieved by calling their cancellation line.
2. Go to the Tiscali website and register as normal. The number checker will recognise you already have broadband on your line and you will be presented with an option to enter your MAC Code.
3. Enter your MAC code when prompted and continue through registration as normal.
4. After registration you will receive a confirmation email with further detail as to when the switch will occur. The switch will usually occur within 6-10 days from the date you registered.
If you'd like an email with details on how to switch to Tiscali, please click here and enter your email address in the email box provided and press submit.
Do I cancel my account with my current broadband provider?
No! It is important you do not cancel your account with your existing broadband provider. If you do, you may be without broadband for several weeks while Tiscali provisions your new line.
Can I switch from any Service Provider?
You should be able to switch from all non-cable broadband providers.
Will my MAC code expire?
Yes, MAC Codes do expire. You must use it 30 days from when it is issued or it will no longer be valid. If your MAC code does expire you will need to call your service provider and ask them to issue you another one.
How long does it take to switch between service providers?
Normally between 6 to 10 days from when you register with the gaining provider. Is you wish to extend your migration date please contact your gaining provider to request this.
Does it involve any downtime?
Migration on average has downtime of approximately 30 minutes, although it can vary.
Once the actual switch occurs, will I be able to connect straight away?
Yes you can connect immediately. On your modem you will need to change your username and password from your existing provider to your Tiscali Username and password. Although it may be possible to connect using your existing modem, Tiscali recommends using the Tiscali modem provided, especially if you require technical support.
My current service is 512k, when switching to Tiscali can I register for 1Mb/2Mb?
If your line can support the higher speeds, yes 1Mb or 2Mb will be available. Just select the Tiscali broadband product you would like and enter your phone number, the checker will tell you if the higher speed is available on your line. If 1Mb or 2Mb broadband is not available an alternative will be presented. The higher speeds will be available to the vast majority of lines however technical factors such as distance from your local exchange or line quality can limit the maximum possible broadband speed you can receive.
Can I switch from a cable provider e.g. NTL or Telewest?
Tiscali broadband works through your analogue BT phone line. If your current broadband and/or phone service is provided via cable you will not be able to switch over to Tiscali using a MAC code. However, if you have an additional BT line at home you can join Tiscali by registering as a new customer, but don't forget to cancel your existing cable service.
If you don't have a BT line but wish to join Tiscali you must notify your existing cable provider that you wish to cancel. Additionally you'll need a BT line installed before you registering for Tiscali Broadband.
Can everyone switch from Tiscali?
The MAC process does not apply for migrations to and from connections based on MPF or "fully unbundled" (where Tiscali provides Broadband, Line Rental and Calls together). This situation exists for all service providers throughout the entire industry in the UK where they have fully unbundled lines, therefore a seamless migration to another provider may not be possible. However in such cases Tiscali will endeavour to facilitate the migration of the broadband in a manner that is fair and reasonable. This situation will generally necessitate a requirement to cancel the service and sign up as a new customer to the gaining provider. We recommend checking with your gaining provider to check what options exist.
How do I get a Mac Code?
A Mac Code can be obtained by calling the cancellations line - 0845 077 4488.
You can also use the contact form to request a MAC http://uk-tiscali.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/uk_tiscali.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?
It can also be requested by sending a letter to:
Tiscali UK Ltd,
Mac Requests
PO Box 15324
Birmingham
B46 9BX
You should expect to receive your MAC within five working days and a written response to your letter within seven working days of us receiving your correspondence, however, please note that by writing this may delay our response due to postal services.
I have registered for Tiscali using my Mac Code - can I delay my migration date?
If a customer has registered using a Mac Code and wishes to delay their migration date they will need to call the cancellations line and request a cancellation of their order. The customer must then re-register for their Tiscali service. It is important to note in almost all cases the order will have been placed with the Network Provider, hence the Mac Code will have been used and will be no longer valid. The customer will then need to go back to their existing provider to request another Mac Code.
