Changing DSL providers in the UK is a bit of a drawn out process. Once you’ve selected your new provider, you have to inform your existing provider so you can obtain a migration code (usually involving side-stepping many lame attempts to keep your business), give this code to your new provider, then usually wait a few weeks for it all to go through the system.

This is meant to be the “easy and open” system the regulators ensured would be in place. Rarely have I heard of the process going smoothly. Thankfully, until recently, I had yet to go through the ordeal. On Tuesday I was supposed to be switched to my new provider, only it didn’t happen. Calling on the Wednesday, I was told there was no record of my order, even though I had email saying otherwise. After much to-ing and fro-ing, on Friday it was all sorted out. I would get my DSL on Saturday.

Losing orders is a big business no-no. Even I know that, and I don’t run a business!

What they forgot to tell me though was my username and password (for some reason, it’s different to my control panel login on their site), so I couldn’t configure my router. After much battling with customer services, again, all was resolved.

So the moral of the story is: if you’re in the UK, find one good DSL company and stick with them.