Farron welcomes easier telephone and broadband switching

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed Ofcom's announcement that new measures will be introduced to make it easier for consumers to change their landline and broadband providers.

Ofcom research has shown that, in cases where the customer has to contact their existing broadband and landline provider to request a change, the resulting process can be significantly more difficult for consumers to follow. The current settlement gives too much control to the existing provider as they have an incentive to delay the transfer.

To resolve these problems, Ofcom has outlined that consumers in the future will only need to follow a 'Single Switching Process', in which the new provider leads the transfer process on behalf of the consumer. Under this new system, consumers will no longer need to contact their existing provider to receive a code in order to switch provider.

Ofcom is expected to finalise these plans by early 2014 with changes to come into effect a year later.

Tim said: "I have been campaigning for better broadband in Cumbria for many years, so it's good to hear that Ofcom are making it easier for local people to switch provider and get a better deal.

"Although the top frustration for many residents is the lack of broadband service, for those who do have a connection switching can be extremely confusing and often prevents people from shopping around for a cheaper service."

"This move by Ofcom towards one clear and simple process led by the gaining provider is welcome news and means the switching process will now work in the best interests of the consumer."