The UK’s communications regulator Ofcom has announced that it feels that its scheme relating to MAC broadband migrations is no longer necessary, hence the regulator has decided to abolish this scheme.

A couple of years ago, in February 2007, the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, announced a new scheme that was set up to ensure that Internet Service Providers were complying with MAC (Migration Access Code) regulations when consumers wanted to switch broadband providers quickly and effectively.

The scheme that was launched by Ofcom was called the GC22 enforcement programme, and was aimed at making the process easier for consumers by ensuring that providers were following the regulations and complying with legislation. The scheme was put into force following new regulations relating to broadband migrations.

However, a recent announcement has been made by Ofcom confirming that it is now bringing this scheme to an end. The regulator has stated that the level of complaints relating to switching broadband services has fallen to such a level that it appears that the scheme is no longer necessary. It is therefore abolishing the enforcement programme. However, officials from the regulator said that the level of complaints relating to MAC broadband migrations will still be closely monitored in case any problems arise after the abolition of the scheme.

An official from Ofcom stated: “Given this marked and consistent improvement across the industry, we have decided to close the enforcement programme. However, Ofcom will continue to actively monitor the MAC-related complaint levels.” The level of complaints relating to migration are said to have halved over the past year, which Ofcom says is indicative of the success of the scheme and also indicates that the scheme can now be wound up.

Source – Cable