Ofcom to set new rules to make porting mobile numbers simpler

Commenting on Ofcom’s announcement that it will be setting a deadline of two hours for networks to port mobile numbers, Rob Barnes, head of mobiles and broadband at moneysupermarket.com, said: “The setting of these new rules by Ofcom is good news for consumers. Slow transfers can affect consumers considerably and practically, there is no reason for porting to take as long as five days.

“The new rules follow discussions in July when Ofcom announced that it would reduce mobile number porting lead times from five days to two days from 1 April 2008. However, although the latest announcement is a step in the right direction, it is not clear why people should have to wait until 2009 for the two-hour transfer. I would argue that porting a number is a simple process and the regulator could have gone further by enforcing a two-hour transfer sooner.

“Networks have been able to port numbers for around 10 years, yet many people still don’t realise this is an option. In some cases, networks also make it difficult to leave them with your original number – ultimately meaning people are reluctant to move for fear of losing the number they have had for years. The introduction of a two-hour deadline will raise awareness of the simplicity of the process and ensure customers can be reached immediately without having to give out their temporary new number."