2006 in review: Don't forget your MAC this winter

The last quarter bought with it a chilly air of victory for consumers and saw only a few fireworks.

Following continual complaints from customers, in the final quarter of 2006 Ofcom was finally able to implement new rules to force internet service providers (ISPs) to hand over migration authorisation codes (MACs) to make it easy for consumers to switch broadband providers.

Prior to the rule, consumers had struggled to move easily from one ISP to another. This was because the MAC line tag, which indicated a specific telephone line was already being used to provide a broadband connection, was not always moved.

By not removing the tag, consumers were prevented from setting up a new service. While this was sometimes through error, all too often it was down to negligence, such as making it difficult for a customer to quickly switch their broadband service to an alternative supplier.

Those wishing to get their MAC transferred previously had to pay a fee of £50 for the privilege.

The rule, which comes into full effect on Valentines Day, came as welcome news to those wishing to take advantage of BT’s much anticipated online TV service launched in December - which is only available to BT Total Broadband customers.

The service, called BT Vision, offers customers on-demand content, including movies and sports, delivered via broadband. It also gives customers up to 40 Freeview channels.

Another major breakthrough in the world of technology also came about in the wintry mist of December, with FM transmitters being made legal to use in Britain. It means anyone with an mp3 player can wirelessly connect their device to their car stereos to control and listen to their music.

It had long been possible to buy FM Transmitters – including in the UK, where we had the ludicrous situation of it being legal to sell them but illegal to use them. This was because low-power FM transmitters interfered with legitimate broadcasts.

However while fans of FM transmitters were celebrating, shoppers who had hoped to be able to bypass higher UK duty by buying cheaper alcohol and cigarettes online were commiserating after having their hopes dashed by the European Court of Justice.

Although shoppers were already able to buy these goods online, they had to pay full UK duty. The only way to avoid this was to head off on a 'booze cruise', bringing back the goods themselves. An EU court case had raised hopes that a ruling would give people the same rights when buying online.

While an interim ruling last year looked positive for those wanting duty scrapped, this was ultimately thrown out, meaning European shoppers still have to visit other EU countries to buy cheap cigarettes and alcohol.

See also:
2006 in review: Post Christmas cheer came with things to fear
2006 in review: Consumers get a spring in their step
2006 in review: Rubbish of all types were hot news

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