uk.telecom.broadband Google Group

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

phi...@invalid.invalid (Philip) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:25:41 UT

Agreed, although this has become one of those abbreviations which loses
its reference to the original meaning, rather like "PIN number". Oh,
and my ISP - PlusNet - refers to it as a Mac key (tautology and a Mac code.
Ah well.

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

phi...@invalid.invalid (Philip) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:19:30 UT

Thanks for the reply, Bob.
Since I've already spoken to the CS/Retentions team and explained why
I'm leaving, why do I have to wait a further five days? I can
understand why you'd want to check in with a customer (especially one
who's been with you for so long), but forcing them to wait once you've

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

rd...@spamcop.net (Bob Eager) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:43:31 UT

Why am I not surprised? :-)

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

m...@privacy.net (Graham.) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:39:11 UT

Not according to Carphone Tiscali TalkTalk Warehouse.
That particular RAS Syndrome was repeated via telephone,
SMS and snail-mail.

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

geowes...@nospamgooglemail.com (George Weston) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:23:54 UT

Hmm...
Note to self - must have a word with the Plusnet retentions team tomorrow.
The Plusnet ticket system hasn't yet (after three months' of trying)
resulted in any restoration of anywhere near my previously-enjoyed speed.
Perhaps the threat of a MAC might prod them into some action?
Now, which way should I go? IDnet, Fast.co.uk, Zen...?

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

supp...@plus.net (Plusnet Support Team) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:47:18 UT

Like another poster has alluded to, it simply allows us the opportunity
to speak to you and try to resolve any concerns/problems you have and
attempt to retain your custom. Not really unusual in the telecoms market
nowadays and I wouldn't personally consider it bad customer service.
Our Customer Options Team are a pretty friendly lot and they don't make

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

geowes...@nospamgooglemail.com (George Weston) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:31:42 UT

I missed that bit ;-)
George (fellow pedant)

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

rd...@spamcop.net (Bob Eager) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15:20 UT

And they'll generally want to get you talking to their 'retention team'.
(to the OP; it's "MAC", not "MAC code").

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

geowes...@nospamgooglemail.com (George Weston) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:03:47 UT

ISPs' policies.
Many of them take the view that if they're losing your custom, why should
they bother giving you excellent service?
George

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

troffa...@hotmail.com (alexd) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:16:03 UT

Meanwhile, at the uk.telecom.broadband Job Justification Hearings, Philip chose
the tried and tested strategy of:
Bear in mind that '20 seconds', '10 minutes', '6 hours' and 'one day' all count
as 'up to 5 days'.

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

phi...@invalid.invalid (Philip) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:52:42 UT

What policies? Surely this is simply getting in the way of good customer
service, especially since, as you say, the actual generation of the MAC code
takes less than a minute to actually provide.

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

supp...@plus.net (Plusnet Support Team) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:46:01 UT

It takes about 20 seconds assuming there are no outstanding orders on
your line.
Having said that, a lot of ISPs (us included) will have policies in
place that result in it taking a few days.

Re: ANY GOOD: Thomson 585 wireless router

supp...@plus.net (Plusnet Support Team) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:42:53 UT

Paul wrote:
Voiced my opinion on that in the first reply to the thread so I'll leave
it up to others to agree/disagree.

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

m...@privacy.net (Graham.) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:53:26 UT

I rang up for mine and got it by text and email almost before I had hung up.
And that was Tiscali. Maybe they were as well shot of me as I was of them!

Re: How long does a MAC code take?

geowes...@nospamgooglemail.com (George Weston) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:53:03 UT

The OFCOM directive is that they must supply a MAC within 5 days.
Some ISPs will give out MACs instantly.
Others will take the full 5 days
Also, some ISPs will deal with a MAC request over the phone or by email.
Some will insist on a letter or a visit to their website.
Just depends who you're with.
George