Ofcom proposes switching mobile providers easier

Switching mobile providers could become just as easy as sending a text under new Ofcom proposals.

The regulator had promised to make it much easier for people who seek to switch from one mobile company to another "without unnecessary hassle or risk".

Currently, people who wanted to carry on using their mobile number required a PAC, or 'porting authorisation code', in order to switch providers.

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

But an Ofcom consultation document published yesterday revealed that all that customers had to do was to get hold of the PAC and send a simple text, or dial an automated service.

Customers could also switch by making one simple call to the new provider, and leaving them to do all the leg work.

"Consumers should be able to switch their mobile providers with minimum hassle to take advantage of the best deals on the market," said Ofcom boss Sharon White.

The changes would align the mobile market with broadband services, where customers could switch providers with only one call to the company they wanted to sign up with.

However, this was being opposed by mobile operators, who insist there was no problem.

Ofcom further added, it was simplifying the process for obtaining a PAC, while promising an extension of the investigation to include triple-play services.

According to Ofcom data, rates of mobile switching were down from 9 per cent to 6 per cent between 2013 and 2014.

Under its consultation process, Ofcom was taking feedback on whether it should force operators to scrap PAC codes and remove the need for consumers to initiate the switch, exactly like it was now doing with broadband contracts.

Ofcom was concerned that consumers could be confused by the different processes for switching providers, depending on whether they wanted to retain their existing numbers.

According to Ofcom, if customers were more likely to switch, companies would be forced to offer better deals.