Mobile phone customers in Gedling borough can now switch providers using a single text under new rules which have come into force.
To switch suppliers, customers currently have to ring their mobile phone provider to obtain a PAC code – something watchdog Ofcom thinks puts people off from leaving.
It’s during these calls that customers often find themselves dealing with unwanted attempts by the companies to persuade them to stay.
But now, those wanting to switch can text “PAC” to 65075 to begin the process.
Their existing mobile phone provider will then respond to the text within a minute
The customer is then sent their switching code (PAC), which will be valid for 30 days
Ofcom say the provider’s reply must also include important information about any early termination charges or pay-as-you-go credit balances. There may be early termination fees if you leave before the notice period of your existing contract.
The customer then gives the code to their new provider, and their new company will the be responsible for arranging the switch within one working day.
While most people want to keep their mobile number when they switch, about one in six do not. These customers can text “STAC” to 75075 to request a “service termination authorisation code”.
Ofcom says the new text-to-switch process will make it quicker and easier for people to leave their mobile company.
It will also give them control over how much contact they have with the firm.
Ernest Doku, mobile expert at uSwitch.com called the move ‘a step in the right direction’.
For too many mobile phone customers the process of switching to a different network can be difficult and frustrating, especially if they want to keep their existing phone number.
“Disappointingly, people who are out of contract are overpaying by nearly £100 a year on their current deal, in many cases still paying for a handset that has long been paid off. And this doesn’t take into account that there are likely to be deals existing with more data for less money since they last took out a new contract.
“By ensuring that a consumer doesn’t have to call their provider to tell them they want to leave, the hassle of switching has now been reduced, and with potential savings available for millions of customers, comparing what offers are available on the market should make this an absolute no-brainer.
“With end-of-contract notifications also on the horizon, and set to arrive in early 2020, mobile users will now find it easier than ever to change to a better deal, with Text to Switch making that process even simpler.
“However, while this will certainly help, these measures do not go far enough. In the energy and financial services sectors, the switching process is handled entirely by the new provider, but phone users will still have to do the legwork themselves, even if it is now easier.
