18 July 2007
Mobile phone users looking to switch networks but retain their old number could find the process easier in the future.
Ofcom has announced plans to put in place a new system designed to make it easier for mobile customers to transfer their number to a different mobile supplier.
In around two years' time, Ofcom wants to see networks - including 3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone - transferring numbers to a customer's new network within two hours.
Currently, the number switching process takes around five days to complete, but Ofcom want this cut down to two working days by April 2008, before the two-hour deadline comes into force in 2009.
In the past customers have complained about the difficult and lengthy process of buying a new SIM card and retaining their previous number.
At present customers have to obtain a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from their current provider to ensure their old number is transferred to their new provider.
Speaking about the proposals, Ed Richards, Ofcom CEO, said: "The UK was one of the first countries to introduce number portability and this has helped create a competitive mobile market in the UK.
"However, the original process is now out-of-date. We believe that the industry should introduce a new system which will stimulate competition and encourage consumers to exercise choice between competing suppliers with a minimum of inconvenience."
Recent research by the communications watchdog revealed that around half of mobile users who had switched networks believed the system could be improved.
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