3 September 2007
According to a recent survey by uSwitch, mobile switchers saved £1 billion in 2007, however a large number of people are missing out on better deals, as they are too afraid to take the plunge. Over two and a half million are too afraid of losing their number to switch and a huge 17 million mobile users admit they have never switched network, missing out on savings of around £1.9 billion per year.
Some 5.5 million consumers are unaware of the fact that they can keep their old number when they switch to a new network.
uSwitch is now calling on the industry regulator Ofcom to make the switching process simpler. At present it takes five days to complete the switch over process in the UK, compared to just two hours in Ireland.
However, the communications watchdog has published plans to change this system. From April 1st 2008 all mobile operators must transfer numbers no later than two days after a customer decides to switch while this is set to decrease to just two hours in two years' time.
"The number porting process in the UK is archaic so it's no wonder that consumers are being put off," Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at uSwitch.com said.
"As it stands, some consumers feel they have no option but to either take a new number when they switch mobile network, or not switch at all, so we are very pleased that Ofcom has decided to intervene.
He concluded, "We call on Ofcom to accelerate its proposed timetable and give greater urgency to resolving this issue. In the meantime, while the number porting process is not perfect, it does exist, and the saving of £113 is well worth the effort.”
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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