3 December 2007
Regulator Ofcom has issued new rules to mobile phone providers, which will make it quicker for customers to use their previous numbers after switching networks.
The new regulations will also cut the legal limit for the time after which customers who have switched networks will be able to use their old numbers from five days to two from April 2008.
From September 2009, this limit will be reduced still further - to just two hours.
Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards said: "Consumers deserve a quick and easy process for switching while retaining their number."
He added: "These measures will promote competition in the UK mobile market and act directly in the consumers’ interest."
Ofcom's announcement comes as part of its plans to create a centralised database to handle UK mobile phone calls for the benefit of call routing.
A central database would offer additional consumer benefits - and increase industry competitiveness - by making it easier still for customers to switch network providers.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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