Mobile contract switching made easier under new Ofcom proposals

For UK mobile users, moving to a new contract and keeping your existing number will become quicker and easier under new rules proposed by the telecoms regulator on Wednesday.

Ofcom said it wanted to make mobile switching quicker and simpler to help support competition in the market, with its preferred option being that would require the new provider to take entire responsibility for the switch, including the transfer of a customer’s mobile phone number.

Under this scenario, customers need only deal with the company they are switching to.

Ofcom proposed an alternative option where customers would ask to receive their PAC code by text, so could avoid speaking to their existing provider to request transfering their mobile telephone number.

Ofcom chief executive Sharon White said: “It is unacceptable for people to be missing out on better mobile deals because they fear the hassle of switching, or are put off having had a poor experience in the past.

“We want mobile customers to benefit from speedier, simpler switching, making it easier for them to vote with their feet and take advantage of choice in the market.”