Uswitch responds to news of further delays to One Touch Switch target date: “This cannot be left in limbo”
Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, comments: “Further delays to the implementation of One-Touch Switch[1] - a simpler unified broadband switching process - mean it will be more than a year since the deadline has passed.
“This is a serious blow for broadband customers and another incredibly disappointing failure from the industry.
“Ofcom’s April 2023 deadline was set back in 2021, and now providers will fail to meet their already-late target of 14th March 2024. So far, no providers have faced any enforcement penalties from the regulator.
“Reforming the broadband switching process is important to help future-proof the system, while levelling the playing field between smaller broadband networks and Openreach. This will in turn help drive competition for better deals and improved services by increasing consumer confidence when shopping around.
“We urgently call on the industry to set a new target date, and for providers to invest the appropriate resources into making One Touch Switch happen as soon as possible. This cannot be left in limbo.
“While the regulator is threatening to use the ‘full force’ of its enforcement powers to hold providers to account - it must now do whatever it takes to hold providers to deadlines and allow consumers access to simpler switching, regardless of who are they switching from or to.[2]”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yolanda Etrata
Phone: 07702 534 837
Email: yolanda.etrata@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.