Successful migration from DR to ADSL ?

[pob]

Has anyone on here successfully managed to move from DR to a BT based ADSL connection.
I know that migrating to 'Infinity' is not an option so I am trying to migrate to ADSL first then upgrade at a later date.
I'm stuck in a loop where the MAC given to me by Ask4/Thales is not being accepted by BT. The MAC does not have the standard format (it ends in a number rather than a letter) but I'm assured by Ask4 that this should work (it is mentioned in their FAQ). I've been through multiple levels of support at BT regarding my order and their systems are still refusing to accept the code.

This was my most recent response from BT:

Quote:I've had word back from our order specialist contact and they have also attempted placing the order directly with BT wholesale bypassing BT Retails ordering systems and the MAC code is being rejected. I'm afraid that we have exhausted all options available to us in trying to get this MAC code allocated to an order and I'm afraid nothing has worked. Is it possible for you to go back to your current ISP and ask them to generate another code that we can try?

It looks like I'm going to have to go down the cease and re-provide route

[rhole83]

I have seen both cases. Where a MAC worked and another person ran in to the same issue as you.

Are you trying to go with BT? I was under the impression they offered free connection when ordering online. Thats what it states on their website. Free new connection worth £130... It specifically says "If you need a new line you won't pay a penny for connection (normally £130)". I would push them to do that and the Openreach engineer will probably just snip the line you already have and re-use it. BT have also been known to waive second line install costs in certain situations.

If not, how about ordering via a cashback website like Quidco and the cashback might cover the install cost of a new line.

[bgnx]

The above option is probably your best option.

I've known people successfully migrate and also not be able to and get stuck in the same loop.

[alexatkin]

There is always the option to migrate to Origin of course.

[pob]

Thanks for the responses guys - looks like the migration process is a bit hit-and-miss

I had considered the new line option but my master socket was moved many years ago when I had ISDN installed and I'm pretty sure I don't have a spare-pair coming into the house (I remember the engineer saying something about using those wires for something - no idea what). I don't want to risk losing my phone number either as this would cause massive problems for both of us from a work and family perspective. Had my number change when I had ISDN originally installed and I had no end of grief!

As for migrating to Origin - until there is something concrete in terms of prices and packages I'm steering clear.

[alexatkin]

Have you tried ringing them? Surely if they are saying they do migrations now they MUST be able to offer packages to migrate onto? I think the issue is that currently they are doing this on a case by case basis.

[WillPS]

It would seem to me to be incredibly foolish to lock oneself in with Origin for the benefit of 1 or 2 more months on DRL.

[alexatkin]

It depends if they offer something competitive.

[Rich28]

I’m in the same boat, not with ASK4 but Origin, but they are now also offering MAC codes generated by Thales, so I am also considering the option of initially downgrading to ADSL2+, on a short-term basis, in order to leave the DR.

An article on Thinkbroadband about this - see http://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/6283-...rvice.html - suggests that the new provider may not recognise the MAC code, but it should validate against the Openreach order systems. Personally, I wouldn't dream of exploring this option with the likes of BT. Instead, I intend to discuss this possibility with a short-list of ISPs that really understand broadband logistics, such as Zen and Xilo.net . Incidentally, if I get it right, Xilo are based here in Sheffield, so a move to them, even if its just for a couple of months, will be supporting a local business.

[alexatkin]

If you are already with Origin I can't see any reason why you would want to move right now.

Its still going to be much easier to move once Origin have migrated us over to Openreach as then you can guarantee the MAC code DOES work.