If your broadband contract is nearing the end or has ended you may want to change your broadband ISP. Switching is normally pretty straightforward if you understand what is involved. Most of the main providers have signed up to a code of practice designed to reduce delays in 'migrating' to another broadband provider.

Broadband transfers work in a similar way to the porting of 'phone numbers. Your current ISP gives you a special code which you then supply to the new ISPr. The new ISP uses this code to authorise your transfer. The code is called a MAC code (migration authority code) and once the code has been processed, your transfer should go through with little or no interruption to your service.

The one thing you should not do if you're simply migrating from one ISP to another, is cancel your connection with your current ISP. If you do, this might result in broadband being cancelled on your telephone line. This would make it difficult for you to transfer your service and you would need to order broadband from scratch. Let the ISPs do it all for you via the MAC code. Your current provider may even try to entice you with a free upgrade to keep your business.

Once you inform your new ISP of your MAC code, it currently takes about a week to change to your new provider. Your new ISP should provide you with a date for the transfer of the service.

Steps to follow:

1. Contact your current ISP and request a MAC code to transfer. They may haggle with you to keep your business.
2. Remember, don't cancel the old service.
3. Sign up with a new provider online or via the 'phone and give them the MAC code during sign up.
4. Wait for a week or so (your new ISP will tell you the date) and enter your new settings into your router's firmware.