Ofcom has targeted landline phone and internet providers which switch customers to their service without their consent – known as “slammers” – in its latest campaign.
The telecommunications watchdog has estimated that 520,000 UK households fell prey to “slamming” last year alone.
Ofcom has said that all switches made should be overseen by a third party as well as putting forward the following suggestions:
- The new provider should be responsible for the switching process.
- The process needs to be simplified to ensure consumers do not become confused and are not required to contact different providers.
- Technical issues which can cause the wrong lines to be switched are to be addressed.
- Loss of service caused by a change of provider also needs to be addressed. Ofcom has reported that one in five consumers lose their broadband connection for about a week when they switch.
However, the telecommunications industry as a whole has expressed concerns surrounding the cost of this operation.
It is understood that the telecommunications industry and consumers will be consulted by Ofcom regarding the proposals until 23 April this year before reporting its findings in Autumn.
