Broadband customers will soon be able to switch their provider as easily as switching bank or changing their mobile provider, under the One Touch Switch scheme. This could benefit many Britons as people shop around for a better deal, with broadband bills increasing from next month.
The streamlined process will mean a person only has to contact their new broadband provider when switching with no need to speak to their old provider.
This will mean a customer can switch between separate networks in just one day. The scheme will apply to all home broadband users, including those who use cable and full fibre.
A person will be able to switch between different networks or technologies, such as from a provider on the Openreach network to one that uses CityFibre.
Individuals opting to change provider before the end of their minimum contract period should be aware they may have to pay early termination charges.
READ MORE: Amazon’s 3-day sale is now on – top deals on electronics, home and fashion
Research from Uswitch.com found more than a third of broadband customers have never switched their provider.
The One Touch Switch process was set to be in place by April 3 but this deadline could be missed because of issues with providers taking up the scheme.
An Ofcom spokesperson sadi: “We are very concerned at the rate of industry’s progress in implementing the new switching process in advance of the April deadline.
“These changes are vital for making broadband switching quicker, easier and more reliable, and it’s been well over a year since we announced our decision.
“The new switching requirements have been well publicised and we’ve been talking to industry throughout the process.”
The regulator also said the One Touch Switch scheme has safeguards in place to protect consumers from slamming, which is when a person is switched to a new provider without their knowledge or consent.
Measures to protect customers include the fact a switch order cannot be placed without a match, which requires several pieces of information about the individual.
The spokesperson said: “If the requesting customer provides the correct information, the losing provider sends out a notification to the customer informing them of the switch.
“It can be sent to the customer immediately and automatically. The notification would alert the customer to the switch and name the gaining provider.
“This would provide additional protection against slamming where the customer has not given their consent to switch.”
Broadband bills are going up by up to 17.3 percent next month. Comparison site Uswitch.com is urging broadband and mobile customers who are out of contract to see if they can switch to a new deal.
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “If you’re looking to stick with your current provider, you could perform a comparison site search to arm yourself with the latest deals and pricing, and take that information back to your current provider to haggle for a better deal.
“There’s often room for negotiation – and significant potential savings – if you’re happy with their service.”
For the latest personal finance new, follow us on Twitter at @ExpressMoney_.
For all the latest Business News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
