Ofcom stings ISP £30k for silent treatment
Broadband switching investigation stonewalled
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Telecoms watchdogs at Ofcom have hit Sheffield-based ISP Prodigy Internet Ltd with a £30,000 fine after it failed to provide information to an investigation into its broadband migration practices.
The probe was launched in April after complaints that Prodigy was not complying with Ofcom's new rules on ISP switching. A new regime was imposed in February to force providers to supply Migration Authorisation Codes (MACs) promptly when people decide to switch.
Investigators set Prodigy deadlines of 27 April and 3 May to provide the information they needed. After it missed these dates, Prodigy was given a final warning on 31 May, which it also failed to comply with.
As a result, it's been stung this month for £30,000 under section 139 of the 2003 Communications Act, which governs non-compliance with a regulatory investigation.
The investigation into alleged MAC heel-dragging by Prodigy continues. The case page is here.
Since the new obligations came into force, Ofcom has been monitoring industry compliance. It said: "Where we have identified comparatively high complaint levels we have held discussions with the relevant broadband provider... Where this approach has not succeeded, we have taken a more formal approach."
Watchdogs say the average number of complaints it gets about MACs has fallen by about half since the new rules came into force. ®
COMMENTS
Is that all ?
What are needed are real penalties, not a few thousand pounds, something to wipe out their profits for the next 2 or 3 years. Ofcom just dont get it do they, unless significant sanction is applied bad behaviour will continue.
BTW, havent heard anything from Toucan after I told them to go get a summons or go away following my escape from their clutches. They, unilaterally, decided that I hadnt ended my contract, when I had told them at least 3 times that I was doing my 12 months and that was it. I hear they are now part of Pipex ... hoem sweet home I guess
@ Andy Barber
Dude, wait. What? You moved *to* BT? You give BT money in the fond hope they will provide services in return? My dear fellow, I do hope it's not too late. Are you still within your right to cancel period?
(Happy user of an Entanet reseller - 19.99 for 30gbpeak/100gb offpeak, no lies about 'unlimited', no contract, no shaping, tech support that is both technical and supportive)
Seriously, fuck BT - they're the only company I've ever had to write to the CEO *every* time something needed fixing.
Karoo
Even if I got a MAC it would be no bloody good. There's no alternative to Krapoo in Hull/Parts of East Yorkshire.
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