Ofcom outlines plans to improve mobile switching

“Frictionless switching will even the odds among UK mobile providers, creating a better, fairer marketplace and allowing customers to take advantage of the best deals”.

Ofcom data showed that rates of mobile switching fell from 9 per cent to 6 per cent between 2013 and 2014.

The regulator has promised to make it much easier for people to change from one mobile company to another “without unnecessary hassle or risk”.

However, when they called for the essential number, they were left waiting in long telephone queues.

However, according to an Ofcom consultation document published yesterday, customers could get hold of the PAC by sending a simple text, or dialling an automated service.

Ofcom last month introduced new rules making it easier for people to switch broadband providers and is now looking at a similar move when it comes to mobile networks.

The current switching process means that a consumer wishing to change provider but retain their mobile number must first inform their provider that they will be moving.

However, it is being met with opposition by mobile operators, who insist there is not a problem. We do not agree.’. However, campaigners said that the change could not come soon enough.

To simplify the process of obtaining the PAC code, for example, Ofcom said consumers could benefit from further channels for requesting and receiving the code, thus reducing the level of engagement required with the existing provider.

Switching mobile phone provider could become a lot easier under new proposals from Ofcom.

One of the stated reasons for telcos like BT to buy their way into mobile networks, content and video delivery, is that a compelling bundled offer will not only prove more attractive for the consumer (still a doubtful long-term proposition) but will have the useful side-effect of making him or her “sticky” and less able and willing to leave for another provider to suffer hours (perhaps days) of swapping over features, choosing new entertainment packages and so on.

“It’s vital the system is significantly simplified so customers only need to deal with the new provider as they do on so many other types of switching”.

“Phone companies should also alert customers when their contracts are about to end and unlock handsets for free to promote switching and competition”.