Switching the broadband provider to become easier

The telecom regulator Ofcom informed that switching process for services operating on copper infrastructure is very complicated, as different rules apply for different conditions. In addition, consumers run the risk of losing their service, slamming, which amounts to getting wrong numbers or change in service without prior consent of the user, etc.

To set things right, Ofcom launched a consultation (PDF) inviting proposals for the industry.

One of the options is that the new provider should take on the switching process as well as transferring of services from the previous operator. An independent third party will be made responsible for preventing slamming by checking and verifying the switch.

Ofcom has come to know that 20% of the consumers are idle for a week due to lack of connection or so while switching the provider. In fact 130,000 customers complained of wrong connection during switching process while shifting the accommodation.

There are not less than three different types of switching process, creating much confusion, which Ofcom wants to rectify.

In the case of landline service, switching over is usually done by the new service provider. The same thing applies when broadband service is bundled to the landline. However with purely broadband service alone, the consumer is responsible. He has to get as transfer code from the existing ISP and give it to the new provider.

In the case of landline and broadband package, Ofcom does not want to involve. The user must close the current contract, probably incurring some losses, and then engage a new provider.