LONDON -- Ofcom today announced proposals for a new swift and simple process intended to make it easier for mobile customers to transfer their mobile number to an alternative supplier. Ofcom is seeking views on its proposal that, in just over two years, transferred numbers will need to be up and running on the customer's new network within two hours.

In the meantime, and following a consultation in November 2006, Ofcom is requiring that the current process is completed in just two working days, compared to five days as is the case now.

Ofcom's objective is to ensure that consumers are able to select a new mobile provider, purchase a new SIM card and receive calls using their old number as quickly as possible. Ofcom also wishes to ensure that there is no reason that mobile phone providers might be discouraged from offering number portability to customers.

The current process is lengthy and places responsibility on the consumer to see the transfer through. Customers looking to switch their telephone number to a new provider must first obtain a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from their current provider. They must then wait up to five working days for their number to be transferred to the new network.

Ofcom also has concerns over the routing of calls to transferred numbers on both fixed and mobile networks. Calls are currently routed to these numbers via their former provider's network. This might lead to problems should that operator experience technical problems or go out of business.

Ofcom's research shows that of those customers that have switched their number to a new network, about half think the process could be improved. Consumers value a speedy porting process and it may encourage them to take advantage of a competing deal with another provider.

Following consultation, Ofcom has therefore decided that, as of 1 April 2008, all mobile operators must transfer numbers no later than two days after a consumer has decided to switch operator.

Ofcom has also decided that fixed and mobile providers should create a central database of transferred numbers. Ofcom believes this should enable mobile operators to switch numbers to new networks almost instantly, or within two hours, which Ofcom considers will further encourage consumers to exercise choice and benefit from competition.

The database would also enable calls to be routed directly to the new provider. This will minimise the potential for interrupted service should a provider's network fail.

PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR CHANGE

Ofcom is proposing that the database be set up and populated by all mobile providers by the end of 2008, with direct routing to ported numbers on mobile networks - and a near instant porting process - by the end of September 2009. Under Ofcom's proposal, direct routing to transferred numbers on fixed networks would occur by the end of December 2012.

Ofcom is also consulting on an option that would require mobile providers to move to a recipient led porting process. This will mean that customers need to make just one call - to the provider they wish to join - to carry out the transfer.

Ed Richards, Ofcom CEO, commented: "The UK was one of the first countries to introduce number portability and this has helped create a competitive mobile market in the UK.

"However, the original process is now out-of-date. We believe that the industry should introduce a new system which will stimulate competition and encourage consumers to exercise choice between competing suppliers with a minimum of inconvenience."

Ofcom