Ofcom’s plans to make the switching process easier are a long overdue victory for consumers

Commenting on Ofcom’s announcement that broadband and landline switching will become a recipient-led process, Marie-Louise Abretti, broadband expert at Uswitch.com**,** says: “This announcement is a long overdue victory for consumers and common sense. We have long campaigned for this change and our research shows that consumers share our view – just one in ten (10%) say that the provider you’re leaving should handle the switch. This decision by Ofcom will make the process simpler, clearer and less daunting.

“If consumers have confidence in the switching process, they are more likely to make the most of a competitive market and enjoy savings of up to £120 from switching their broadband. Unfortunately too many people are missing out because they feel the process is too complicated. Even when they attempt to switch, some are forced to call the provider they are leaving – which can be daunting and put the brakes on the switch. More than one in ten (13%) who have had to make that call say that the provider was too pushy in trying to make them stay.

“Our only concern is how long it may take for consumers to benefit from the proposals. Ofcom is consulting on how to make the changes, but hopes to make a decision by early next year. From that point, the clock will be ticking – the changes will have to come into effect within a year. Although this may mean consumers are stuck calling their old provider to switch until early 2015, we hope that Ofcom will iron out any industry concerns and focus on doing the best for consumers as quickly as possible.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Katherine Moss

Phone: 020 3021 5893

Email: katherine.moss@uswitch.com

Twitter: @uswitchPR

Notes to editors

All figures from a nationally representative survey of 2,000 broadband owners carried out via an online survey using ‘One Poll’ in August 2012.

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