Talk:Migration Authorisation Code

UK Offcom Regulations Feb 07

Perhaps sombody with some time could look into how the recent UK Offcom regulations affect the MAC and its use. hrf.

See this page for details on new MAC stuff: http://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/i/2973.html Pookey gb 05:23, 26 February 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Apologies for not inserting my references properly

Apologies for not inserting my references properly - perhaps someone would do this for me ? ie number them then move them to the list of references, I was unsure how to do this. Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Janwwww (talk • contribs) 01:17, 23 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Tautology

Because the context of this artcile is clear (Migration Authorisation Code), I don't think there is any need to use the Tautology "MAC Code". I think it should always be referred to as a MAC. Using a Tautology in an excyclopedic article can only spread the confusion. hrf (talk) 21:51, 28 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]

But what is it?

Of what use is this MAC (great re-use of an important networking TLA, BTW!) to me as a customer? Why would I want one? How does it help me, or how does its absence hinder me?

My best guess is that it a) identifies a telco-supplied DSL line (something a telephone number does not do uniquely) and b) authorizes the telco to switch that line to a new provider. Without it, the telco will refuse to disconnect the first ISP's DSL from the line and thus the customer would either have to order the first ISP disconnected and wait until it was done (service interruption) or pay for a second DSL line to be installed.

That makes some sort of sense (and congratulations BT on not taking the second ISP's word for it), but it's almost entirely speculation based on the contexts in which I've seen the word used; none of them actually define it. Is this guesswork correct? 71.41.210.146 (talk) 20:49, 10 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Migrations Authorisation Code (MAC) Broadband Migrations Process is described to the consumer by Ofcom. This article should reflect that. --Hm2k (talk) 10:35, 12 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, some googling found me that page, but I notice that it is all about how to get a MAC, without explicitly defining what one is. The Ofcom information suggests that a MAC helps smoothly migrate a broadband service between providers, and mentions that the ISP itself gets it from some upstream "Broadband Network Communications Provider". But it still doesn't explain how switching service to a new provider with a MAC differs from doing it without. I'm reminded of MAD magazine's spoof newsletter for "North American Veeblefetzer" corporation that is full of details of company operations, union negotiations, retiring staff, changes on upcoming models to make service and lubrication easier, but ends with an admission that "nobody actually knows what a veeblefetzer does". 71.41.210.146 (talk) 03:41, 13 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A MAC is as described in the article: "a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) is a 17 to 19-character unique identifier code used by broadband customers when they wish to switch internet service provider (ISP)". Further more, this is not a forum, stick to discussing the content. However, in answer to your question, as far as I am aware, you cannot migrate your broadband connection without a MAC. --Hm2k (talk) 17:27, 13 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Er, yes, I know; I read the article. However, as a non-resident of the UK with no practical experience in the matter, I found it unenlightening. Certainly broadband customers switch ISPs in many countries which have never heard of MACs, so it's not a fundamental requirement. The quoted phrase is like saying that "a hammer is a hand-held tool generally used to perform carpentry"; that explains where it's used, but not what its actual function is. (The same description could be applied to a screwdriver.) Assuming that it is possible to cancel service without a MAC and to set up new service without a MAC, migration without a MAC seems simple: Set up new service. Once it is operational, cancel the old service. I gave my best guess as to what a MAC actually does in the lead paragraph. Does anyone know if that is correct or incorrect? 71.41.210.146 (talk) 08:03, 19 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Setting up a new broadband line subscription is not migration. I'm not sure I understand your analogy. A direct analogy would be Porting Authorisation Code, but I imagine this is of little help to you. In many respects it's just a password that gives the vendor authority to migrate, a bit like a transfer secret in the domain industry. I don't really understand where the gaps in your knowledge lie. --Hm2k (talk) 09:44, 19 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Something like a Transfer Code is, I thought, exactly what I first suggested in part b) of my original guess. If my guess was actually correct (and a bit more googling tends to confirm it), then I'll copy the verbiage into the article. 71.41.210.146 (talk) 02:57, 21 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I guess what you've done works for now, but I would recommend that you source your facts and include citation, otherwise they risk removal. --Hm2k (talk) 08:23, 21 July 2010 (UTC)[reply]

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