On that note, I am now locking this thread. At twenty five pages, it has become unwieldy and difficult to read through.

Please feel free to continue your conversations, but perhaps in more specific discussions over several smaller threads.

I too look forward to more interesting and informative posts.

Regards

Communty Editor

Hi Immo,

Thanks for your reply !! - At last someone has spotted my post from days ago regarding the mis-interpretation of MAC (codes)

Just a point here also for all you readers out there - EVERY physical computer device, such as a LAN card, USB Wireless device, Modem router, Modem Wireless card, etc etc has a Unique Media Access Control (MAC) code

If you go to the command prompt, and type: ipconfig /all, you will see, amongst many other things, the MAC codes shown for all your internal devices within your PC or laptop. It is reported as the "physical address" and is shown as 6 pairs of hwexadecimal numbers such as: 00 07 56 E6 A5 32

As a case in point ae MIGRATION authority code is something like BBIP10790744/EL06O - COMPLETLY DIFFERENT !!!

AND note - all you guys that say SKY got the MAC wrong - NOTE THAT THE LAST CHARACTER is a Capital O , NOT a Zero (0)
a COMMON MISTAKE - Trust me


The MAC code for the SKY router is also , like most devices, printed on the manufacturers label -and is, I understand, is the case of SKY, who have "hi-jacked" the firmware of the Netgear DG834G series router - also used for the ADSL username.
That is to say - if you hack the firmware, and use another Modem - then it is said that SKY can detect from the "different" MAC code that you've contravened their terms and conditions which state you MUST use their Hardware.

(you can't say MAC code - cos if you say it in full for the broaband application- it becomes Migration Authority Code Code - or MAC Squared!!)


I really think that some of the posts here are getting out of hand.

Whilst it may be said that SKY are perhaps giving poor service to some, it really doesn't help when I read some of the "inept" posts here - for example .............. - likening your telephone line to a vaccum cleaner bag - which when full gets clogged up - and won't run so fast !!! (in relation to data transmission speed).


So

Lets look forward to more interesting, and informative posts

Thanks again immo


Regards

Eric-ISP

Exactly, the MAC code on your router is the unique ID number of the network adapter in the router. It is not the MAC code that you need to move providers.

As Eric said, they are 2 different things with the same abbreviation.

eric-ISP:hi There -

The " MAC" code on your router is a "Media Access Control " Code and is a unique Hexadecimal number which identifies your modem.

The "MAC" code for migrating broadband suppliers is a "Migration Authority Code", and is NOT THE SAME THING At all !!!!

So the Phillipino operator was talking rubbish - or - being very fair to sky - misunderstood.


Regards

Eric ISP

elc114:Hi

i was just wondering how if it's an ofcom requirement to give you a MAC code sky can get away with not being able to give you one over the phone (have a go! it's great fun, see how many departments you can be put through to) and even when asked in writing they don't send one?

I'm off to have a look at the ofcom website now and see if you can complain directly on there.

ITS ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR ROUTER

elc114:good luck with getting a MAC code!!!!!

just a note about freesat - the last time I cancelled my sky subscription I had loads of free channels anyway available through my original digibox and viewing card, those on freeview plus a few extra, without paying anything at all. I see that now they're charging you £20 for a veiwing card, does this mean that every time you cancel your sky subscription you have to pay £20 for the privilege? or are they making people pay for something they don't really need???

How on earth have sky been allowed to continue as the only satelite Tv providers?? Surely that's a monopoly??? And they're obviously free to do whatever they like. Their only competition is Virgin and now they can't offer sky channels and not everyone has access to cable.

I really wish I could leave sky but apart from the fact they won't let me have a MAC code anyway with regards to the TV there isn't any alternative that would let me watch the programmes i like.

this is on the bottom of your router under the barcode and serial number

error code 100 is a prob with the phyisical setup of your broadband.
error 200/300 are prob obtaining an IP address.

to resolve: 200 - leave router powered off for 48hours - completely turned off power etc for 2days to clear the line.
300: 40mins powered down - this is a tier 2 tip!!! 9/10 times it works.

your mac code is on the bottom of your router - barcoded next to the SSID etc!

I would just like to let use all no that my son works for sky broadband and think that it is ridiculous the way use speak to them!!!! how would you like someone to speak to your children like that. he works for a higher tier and get so much abuse that he comes out many nights in tears. I appricate that it is his job but hes simply a student trying to pay my way through university and that abuse that we all receive in there is awful!!! dnt take it personally my new favourite quote after spending the last 20 mins screaming down the phone !!!!

any probems use are having with your BB will be fixed but the kids in there work themselves stupid to help customers and I can confirm that the nicer you are to them the more they will actually do for you.

as for turning on and off the router again right this basically means that your mother needs her ine capped. max package sends up to 16meg down the line. your line may only be able to actually hold 7meg (at the most). this means your line is recieveing twice as much meg as it should. by unplugging the routervyou therefore clear it and you line and start again fresh!!! but your line will soon become clogged again basically it is like not emptying your hoover bag, the more that it fills up the less it will work. this is why t is slow!!!! ring sky, say you needs your line capped - tier 3 will cap this line and all will be well. you will NEVER be able to get 16meg unless you are situated directly beside the exchange!!!! it is impossible. it actually does depend on your distance from the exchange and the quality of your line!!!!!!! end of the moaning. thats it sorted for you.

Regarding MAC 's (Migration Authority Codes)

Please see:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/internet/switching/switch/?itemid=309063


The fact is, it IS an ofcom requirement to give a MAC, and I think that a request for a MAC needs to be made in straight simple terms.

If they do not respond within a reasonable period of time, say 7 -10 Days, State that / Remind your ISP (Sky in this case) that it IS an OFCOM requirement,...and you WILL in that event report the offender to OFCOM (see the link above,)

There is NO EXCUSE for not giving a MAC.
It does the reputation of this industry NO GOOD at ALL if these procedures are not followed by ISP's promptly.

If indeed SKY are not providing MAC's promptly when asked, then OFCOM needs to be made aware ASAP.


We have been asked for MAC's in the past., and have issued them promply, whilst ensuring that the customer :

a. Understands what a MAC is for
b Has given us the courtesy of just telling us if they have a problem with our level service etc and is that the reason for migrating ,
c Understands that once the migration process is underway / complete, we have no further control of tyhe process / ultimate service level

In any case, if a customer asks us for a MAC , and does not wish to discuss it further, we still issue them without delay.


REgards

Eric-ISP
c

Hi

i was just wondering how if it's an ofcom requirement to give you a MAC code sky can get away with not being able to give you one over the phone (have a go! it's great fun, see how many departments you can be put through to) and even when asked in writing they don't send one?

I'm off to have a look at the ofcom website now and see if you can complain directly on there.

Just got an email from mum (well, at least that bits working, sort of, but ...) saying the only way she gets it to work is to turn off the router then turn it on again. Even when she is connected, it works at a snails pace, and that's afer giving them an extra £10 per month for the premium service.

Surly she should be able to claim her sky subscription back from sky as they are not fulfilling their contract ?

Comments.

David Callaghan

hi There -

The " MAC" code on your router is a "Media Access Control " Code and is a unique Hexadecimal number which identifies your modem.

The "MAC" code for migrating broadband suppliers is a "Migration Authority Code", and is NOT THE SAME THING At all !!!!

So the Phillipino operator was talking rubbish - or - being very fair to sky - misunderstood.


So there you are - and by the way - in reply to another post - SKY CANNOT refuse you a MAC code - it is an OFCOM requirement as of 14th Feb 2007 to give you a Migration Auhority Code (MAC)


Regards

Eric ISP

Hi elc114

When I asked for the MAC code, the Phillipino (?) call handler told me it was on the bottom of the router... It was! Take a look at yours.

Oh just to add also,

I recieved a final reminder from my old service provider asking for 3 months subscription.
"I've changed my broadband provider" I told them with surpirise.
"Oh, it would appear that you're new provider(SKY!!) hasn't told us, so you'll have to send us your confirmation letter yourself."

Thre's a surprise!?!, SKY can't even do that part of their job either.

What do they actually do????