22/12/2017
Switch mobile providers by text – but not till 1 July 2019 (UK)
Mobile customers will be able to switch their provider simply by sending a free text or online message to their current provider requesting a ‘porting authorisation code’ if they want to keep their existing number or a cancellation code if they don’t, under new rules that will come into force from 1 July 2019.
Apart from making it unnecessary for customers to contact their current provider and face attempts to persuade them to remain, Ofcom’s new switching rules also ban providers from charging for notice periods running after the switch date, saving mobile customers a total £10 million pa.
Customers will be able to request their codes while actually negotiating with their new supplier, with domestic customers receiving an immediate return text containing the appropriate code and business customers getting their code within 2 working days.
Providers’ responses must also include information about any early termination charges, outstanding handset costs or pay-as-you-go credit balances. All providers will use the same memorable short codes, which will remain valid for 30 days after they have been issued.
The 18 month implementation period gives providers time to set up the new short codes and the systems necessary to send automated response to switching requests, as well as new billing arrangements that end notice-period double payments.
‘Statement: Decision on reforming the switching of mobile communication services’ links to a package of information, including related consultations and feedback, research documents and supporting calculations.
‘Automated Switching’ for Mobile Phone Users (UK)’, CPA News, 24 May 2017, summarises the earlier consultation.
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