Because broadband technology is always evolving, speeds are always getting quicker with new deals for new customers everywhere which are often very attractive, and may make you feel that you no longer want to stick with your current broadband ISP.

Either that or you may have had a bad experience, whether it's with incompetent customer support or just an irreconcilable connection issue, and you want to jump ship as quickly as possible and swim for new, clear waters. Changing broadband providers should be a relatively painless experience, but there are a few things that you should know beforehand in order to avoid being stung or getting caught up in red tape in the process.

Step 1 - Choosing a New Provider

The first step you'll want to take is to prepare yourself with a new provider. Whether it's increased speed, unlimited allowance, or a phone or TV package bundled with your new broadband that you're after there's something out there to suit every taste, and often you will get the first few months at a reduced price when you switch.

Compare the latest broadband packages, deals & offers »

Step 2 - Telling Your Existing ISP

The first thing you have to check is the contract that you've agreed to with your existing ISP. Often broadband is controlled by a fixed term contract, and the minimum commitment is usually 12 months. Some ISPs will require that you pay an early cancellation fee if you want to end your service mid way through the contracted period, and others may be even stricter and make you pay the full sum owed over the remaining months of your contract.

If you want to avoid either of these charges you might have to tough it out until the end. The next step is actually telling your ISP that you want to switch. This may be the tricky part, but it could work in your favour. Phone up your ISP and let them know that you want to switch. They will often make you an offer to improve their service if you stay with them, and that might entice you into a longer commitment, which will mean less hassle for you and probably a freebie.

However, if you're set in your mind and really want to change you'll need to get your current provider to give you a MAC number, which stands for Migration Authorisation Code, and will allow your current provider and your new provider to switch over your broadband internet connection with the minimum of effort.

It will usually take up to 5 days for your existing ISP to give you your MAC, but once you have it you can then let your new ISP know and the whole process can start rolling forward. MAC codes are unique to you and let both ISPs know that your migration request is genuine, but they are only valid for 30 days from the date of issue so once you've got yours you won't have that much time to use it to transfer your broadband service to a new provider.

If you use a MAC code to switch service you'll only loose internet connectivity for a matter of hours on the day of the switch over, but if you choose to quit your current provider outright it could take anything up to a month to organise a new internet connection.