More than 1.6 million UK households and businesses have switched their landline or broadband provider in the first year of Ofcom’s One Touch Switch (OTS) service, highlighting a major shift in the UK telecom market.
Launched one year ago, the One Touch Switch process makes broadband and landline switching faster and hassle-free. Instead of negotiating with their existing provider, customers now only need to contact their new provider, who manages the entire transfer and sends all key switching details, Ofcom said in its report.
This streamlined process eliminates the need to deal with the old provider directly and helps customers avoid notice-period charges beyond the switch date. Providers are also required to compensate customers if there is a delay or if service is interrupted for more than one working day.
Since its debut, more than 300 broadband and landline providers have signed up for One Touch Switch. The simplified system works across all networks—including BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Community Fibre, and Hyperoptic — giving consumers more choice and driving competition in the UK broadband market.
Ofcom data shows that 36 percent of combined broadband-and-landline customers and 32 percent of triple-play users (broadband, landline, and pay-TV) were out of contract as of June 2024, paying 18 percent and 16 percent more on average than in-contract customers. Ofcom urges anyone out of contract to compare offers and consider switching to save on monthly bills.
To switch, customers simply contact their chosen provider, provide a few details such as their address and current provider’s name, and the new provider handles the rest. Any downtime during the switchover is typically less than one working day.
Ofcom’s Telecoms Policy Director, Cristina Luna Esteban, said: “It’s never been simpler to switch. Millions have already taken advantage of One Touch Switch to get a better deal. We encourage customers to check their contracts and switch if they can save.”
TelecomLead.com News Desk
