From next year, consumers will be able to transfer their mobile number to a new provider in just one working day rather than the current two days, says Ofcom.
In 1999 it used to take consumers up to 25 days to switch their number to a new provider via a fax-based system. Nowadays, web-based systems mean that faster switching times can be achieved.
The new regulations, which will require mobile operators to make changes to their systems and processes, will come into force on 11 April 2011.
The new regulations also require the Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) that consumers need to switch provider and keep their number to be issued either immediately over the phone or within a maximum of two hours by text message.
The time and way in which PACs are issued currently varies with some PACs only issued by letter, which can take several days to arrive.
"Ensuring consumers can switch between communications providers by removing unnecessary barriers is one of Ofcom's priorities for 2010/11,” said Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards. Being able to switch quickly and easily between mobile providers is an important part of healthy and effective competition."
Howebver, some believe Ofcom’s new regulations don’t go far enough. Ernest Doku, communications expert at
uSwitch.com, comments on what it sees as a missed opportunity: "Ofcom has shown its teeth but failed to bite - as a result of this announcement Britain remains the only country in Europe where consumers need to go cap-in-hand to their existing mobile phone company when wanting to switch to a new provider.
“Ofcom just hasn't gone far enough and has failed to effect a major change - allowing consumers to switch without requesting a PAC code from their existing provider - that would remove the headache of changing networks for consumers once and for all.
"There remains a huge gap in the knowledge of the country's 43 million mobile users when it comes to switching, and especially when it comes to the number porting process. Two million users even believe that they will lose their phone number if they switch network - which is simply not true.
"This review has dragged on for years and has still failed to deliver. Forty three per cent of mobile users lose their number when they switch, leading to inconvenience and even putting many off making the move to a cheaper or more competitive provider.
“Seventeen million Britons have never switched mobile networks and are missing out on potential savings of £1.4 billion a year. Ofcom should have eliminated the need for customers to make contact with the network they are leaving, but instead has missed this opportunity to make the process as quick, easy and consumer-friendly as possible."
Top 3 tips for switching your mobile deal
1. Do your homework
Spend time figuring out your needs and priorities. When do you use your mobile phone the most? How much do you want to pay? What do you use your mobile phone for - calls, texts, Internet? Look at past bills to analyse your historical usage to help you make an informed decision about whether to opt for pay monthly, pay as you go or SIM free deals.
2. Shop around for the best deal
Using a comparison site will enable you to search for the best and cheapest provider to suit your needs. There are hundreds of thousands of mobile phone deals out there and uSwitch.com does all the leg-work for you, making it quick and easy to find the right package.
3. Recycle your old mobile
Decide whether you really need a new handset or not. If you do receive a new handset, do put your old one to good use and re-cycle it. You could earn yourself cash through doing so.
Find out the latest mobile phone offers by receiving our
MoneyMaker newsletter.
