Switch your mobile firm in just a day

MOBILE phone users will be able to change networks simply by sending a text, under plans from the regulator.

The fast-track switching service is being brought in by Ofcom to boost competition and cut prices.

It should let customers move to a new network within a day, while also keeping their phone number.

Mobile firms have made it very difficult for people to switch but will now have to take speedy action on receipt of a text request. They must reply with a unique code the customer gives to a new provider who will arrange the switch. Proposed rule changes would ban providers from charging for any notice period after the date of the handover.

That would save consumers around £10million a year through avoiding double charges.

The move by Ofcom comes amid enormous frustration among consumers who find it very difficult to leave a mobile phone company that offers poor service or charges a ripoff tariff. There are similar frustrations over trying to escape poor value broadband and pay TV contracts.

Lindsey Fussell of Ofcom said: ‘We want people and businesses to benefit from simpler, speedier mobile switching, making it easier for them to vote with their feet and take advantage of choice in the market.

‘Our text-to-switch plans would give greater control to mobile customers about when and how they switch, and prevent losing providers from delaying and frustrating the switching process.’

Customers face different processes for switching mobile provider, depending on whether they wish to keep their existing mobile phone number.

Four in ten people who have switched in the past say they experienced at least one major problem.

One in ten had difficulties contacting their current provider and a similar proportion found it difficult to cancel. One in ten said the company made it difficult for them to keep their number.

Under the new rules, which Ofcom has put out to consultation, a customer would text one of two memorable short codes, depending on whether they wanted to keep their mobile number, to their network.

All providers would be required to use the same short codes to ensure they are well known.

The losing network would be required to respond immediately by text with the relevant number transfer code or porting authorisation code known as a ‘PAC’.

Alternatively, they would send a cancellation code for those who do not want to keep the same number.

‘Easier to vote with their feet’