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16|11|06

Proposals to improve number portability processes

Ofcom today announced plans to improve number portability processes which allow consumers to keep their telephone number when they switch provider. In the absence of number portability consumers may be reluctant to switch provider as they would suffer the inconvenience and possible expense of having to change their telephone number.

Mobile port lead times

Ofcom is proposing that the port lead time – the period it takes to transfer a customer’s number from one network to another – should be reduced from five working days to one working day following the switch. Ofcom believes that the shorter the process, the greater consumers’ willingness to switch provider.

The consultation published today does not consider lead times for number portability on fixed-line networks. This is currently being considered separately as part of Ofcom's work on migration, switching and mis-selling which began earlier this year. A statement is expected in Spring 2007.

Routing of calls to ported numbers

Ofcom also announced today planned improvements to the method used to route calls to ported numbers.

Currently, calls are routed to ported numbers via the network that the customer originally subscribed to. This risks possible consumer detriment when a network provider is no longer able to forward calls to former customers, for example if a provider goes out of business.

Ofcom therefore proposes that a common database of numbers should be used by all fixed and mobile providers to route calls directly to each customer’s current subscribed network.

The deadline for consultation responses is 26 January 2007 and the full consultation document is published in the Related Items.

Ends.

Note for Editors and CSEs

Sections 45 and 58 of the Communications Act 2003 provide Ofcom with the power to set general conditions requiring UK communications providers to provide number portability.

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