Mobile portability will be accelerated

OFCOM HAS LAUNCHED two new consultations as it seeks to further whittle down the time it takes to switch mobile numbers.

The time it takes for mobile operators to switch existing users' mobile phone numbers onto new devices and networks has long been an Ofcom bugbear and today it said that the current system was too involved, took too long, and was inconvenient to consumers and business users - which sounds uncannily like a public consultation. While hoping to pique a bit of interest from operators and consumers alike it drew on the current economic climate, adding that, "Simplifying this process could save the industry around £26 million over ten years which could then be passed on to consumers."

The comms watchdog - think Droopy with a toothache - has already reduced the time it takes to transfer a mobile number from five to two working days, but now it has decided that this is not enough and is pushing for a two hour turnaround. Chief Executive Ed Richards added to the excitement with this comment, "Ofcom would like to see easier, faster and more convenient processes to enable consumers to keep their number when they switch mobile provider. Our proposals take a fresh look at this issue to ensure that consumers are getting the most from their mobile service." We can hardly wait, except we'll have to.

Ofcom expects to have the new rules in place by the end of 2012, while the consultations finish at the end of September, so if you do want to take part there is no real hurry.

Ofcom also found that most people are clueless slackjaws when it comes to knowing what their existing rights are, which of course makes it likely that they won't ever know that the consultations exist either.

Still, at least it looks like Ofcom is keeping itself busy. If you count thinking about thinking about things as keeping busy. µ