Getting MAC number off BT

[kita1]

My parents are switching their broadband and home phone line from BT to Orange.

Orange have told them they need the MAC number off BT.

On phoning BT late this morning they were asked why they wanted to leave etc. and given the 'sales' chat then they were kept on 'hold' for ages and when the person came back to them she said she could not get the MAC number and could she send it in an e mail (parents don't use e mail) or text it (they don't text either). If she could text it they would get it in the next 5 days.

As they don't do e mail or text she told them to phone again in the morning and they would be quieter then and be able to give my parents the number.

I think this is a load of b******t and they are just trying it on and hoping my oldish parents will forget about it or get fed up and stay with BT.

Should it be this difficult to get a MAC number? My parents are way out of the contract period with BT.

Are BT obliged to give up the number - if so how long can they muck about like this?

Could they not just cancel the direct debit to BT and join up with Orange as a totally new customer?

They could manage a few days without internet connection.

[craft1948]

How can they be way out of contract with BT...........each time a contract period expires you agree to a new one?

[Jan1957]

Your parents must have an email address with bt surely? How do they log on without it? I am wih bt and have to log on every fortnight.

[ChuckFickens]

Yes they are obliged to supply the MAC code within 5 working days of it being requested.

Surely if your parents have broadband with BT they have a BT email address? or if not give them your email address to send it to.

If they just cancel the direct debit they will be in breach of contract and BT could refuse to supply a MAC code and disconnect the broadband service until the outstanding balance is payed

[kita1]

They initially signed up over two years ago. This contract signed them in for either 12 or 18 months. They have signed nothing since so they are not 'tied' into BT anymore.

[kita1]

They have an e mail address of course, its just that they have never used e mails and don't know how to.

[craft1948]

I think you'll find they are kita.......the contract for a phone is usually 12 months and that's it, but your contract for broadband is renewed every 12 or 18 months. I've had BT broadband for 8 years and renewed my contract a couple of weeks ago.....you don't have to sign anything.