Many people have likened their favourite mobile provider to their bank, and they’ll stick with that same provider for some time.
Loyalty, though, doesn’t always get you the best deals or the best coverage, so it’s good to try comparison sites and look at the options. Now Ofcom, the UK mobile regulator, wants to make this process even easier – using a simple free text message to move.
Details from Ofcom reveal that 2.5 million people have experienced problems switching providers, and many people face the dreaded “retentions team” on the way through the process. That team is usually staffed with friendly, softly spoken people who will try their utmost to persuade you to stay. However, in 18 months Ofcom will be implementing changes to cut them out the loop and make it a pain-free experience.
The steps will be short and simple. It starts by you asking for a switching code, which you do by texting a free number. Once you get this code and you’ve sorted out any outstanding costs, you just pass the code to the new provider. The service will then be switched across in one working day. There’ll be a ban on charging for notice periods running after the switch date too.
Compliance must begin on July 1st, 2019. Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s Consumer Group Director, tells us..
Too many people are put off by the hassle of switching mobile provider. Our changes will make it quicker and easier for mobile phone users to get a better deal.
Customers will control how much contact they have with their current mobile provider, preventing companies from delaying and frustrating the switching process.
To be honest, I can only applaud this. I remember once wanting to leave Orange (this is a long time ago) and getting put through to a very breathy girl from Southern Ireland. She sounded like a member of The Corrs..
…I ended up in another 18 month contract…
