As I've blogged previously, I've recently changed ISP from Nildram.. bought by Pipex... bought by Talk Talk who declare themselves to be Opal. Anyway I've left them and take my service from BT.

As is common with ISPs in the UK, they don't like customers to leave. Hence they are slow to provide a MAC (Migration Access Code). According to the Ofcom regulators they are supposed to provide it within 5 days. I hadn't even had other than an auto acknowledgement from them by then. I duly registered a complaint with Ofcom.

After 13 days I got the MAC code. Browsing the forums I came across Nildram customers who'd been lax about the contract you get when you sign up with them. Seems they require a month 'notice of termination'. As an income stream it would appear that they sell these debts on to a debt collection agency after the customer has blythly assumed they've left Nildram when they stop getting the service.

Being careful with this, as soon as I had my MAC code I formally let them know that I wished to cancel (8th Nov 2010).

Ack of that from Lisa on 12 Nov. An Opal ref number 6076989.

BT installation 17 Nov, now back on air.

Today, 25 Nov, I get this from ....Opal, I thik

Response (Paul Brierton) - 25/11/2010 02.36 PM
Hello Dave,

I Have requested the account xxxx to be cancelled this will take affect from 24.12.2010

Many Thanks

Allan Cogley

Sigh. This from 'Pipex Business sales'... yet when I'd contacted the CEO of Pipex to ask if he could help me get a MAC code, I was told that Opal are nothing to do with him? I responded, asking him to note that in the same email.... I had requested cancellation on 8 November? They run an included 'thread' in each email.

I paid for this service on a standing order (lets them take money from my bank monthly). The money goes out around 11 or 12 of each month. I knew I couldn't get out with a months notice on the Oct payment, just wanted to do so with the Nov payment being the last. Thanks to Marcus site, I now have access to the Opal CEO. See if he/she can help me sort this one out.

If this goes to court I have all the emails saved.