BROADBAND customers will be able to switch providers in just one day under new plans announced today.
Consumers – including cable and full fibre customers – will only have to contact their new company to switch, not their current provider.
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This means it will be easier to change to a cheaper deal – without your current provider trying to persuade you to stay.
Telecoms regulator Ofcom said the change, which will be in place by April 2023, will allow customers to move broadband and landline firms in as little as one day.
Providers will have to compensate customers if they are left without service for more than one working day.
Ofcom has also banned notice period charges beyond the switch date.
Brits can already change between providers on Openreach’s copper network, including BT, Sky and TalkTalk.
But the new rules mean customers will be able to move between different networks or technology.
For example, it will be possible to switch from Openreach to CityFibre or from Virgin Media to Hyperoptic.
Currently, these customers need to contact both their existing and new provider to co-ordinate the switch.
Previous Ofcom research showed that four in 10 people who decide against switching were put off by the hassle of having to contact more than one provider.
A similar number – 43% – were put off switching as they think it will be too time-consuming.
And of those who do switch, nearly a quarter (24%) who contact their current provider face unwanted attempts to persuade them to stay.
How will it work?
The new “one touch” process is designed to make it easier to get a faster package, cheaper deal or better customer service when you switch provider.
It will also make it quicker – just one day where this is technically possible.
There are three steps customers have to take in order to complete the switch.
- A customer will contact their chosen new provider and give their details.
- The customer then automatically receives important information from their current provider, including any early contract termination charges they may have to pay, and how the switch may affect other services the customer has with the company.
- If the customer wants to go ahead, the new provider will then manage the switch.
Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s networks and communications group director, said: “Household finances are strained at the moment, so switching broadband provider could help keep your bills down.
“We’re making it as easy as possible for you to break up with your broadband provider and take advantage of the deals on offer.”
Job hunters can get free broadband for six months thanks to a new government scheme with TalkTalk.
We’ve covered how you can get compensation if you’ve been impacted by internet outages.
Switching broadband provider is just one way to save money – here’s our tips on how to cut back as the cost of living rises.
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