In July 2010, UK communications regulator Ofcomannouncedit would half the time it took for mobile subscribers to port their phone numbers to a new provider. Today that ruling hascome into effect.
Previously, it took at least two days to transfer a number between providers, requiring customers to obtain a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) via a letter or over the phone. PACs were traditionally sent via letter or required two days notice to be sent, but from today PACs must been issued immediately via telephone or within a maximum of two hours by text message.
Like before, PACs remain valid for a period of 30 days, and require the code to be given to the new provider for a number to be ported to a new network.
The global standard is for a ‘Recipient-Led’ system whereby the customer contacts the new network and they do all the hard work for them, this can lead to very quick port times (less than 2 hours), but in other countries it can still take up to 60 days.
Ofcom’s report warns users that although switching networks may be easier, it doesn’t necessarily mean consumers are able to get better deals or better coverage on different networks. It has set up ahelp guidewhich can help consumers decide what mobile deal is best for them and how comprehensive a network’s coverage is across the UK.
Story byMatt Brian
Matt is the former News Editor for The Next Web. You can follow him on Twitter, subscribe to his updates on Facebook and catch up with him(show all)Matt is the former News Editor for The Next Web. You can follow him onTwitter, subscribe to his updates onFacebookand catch up with him onGoogle+.
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