UK Telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, have declared that mobile phone number transfers from one network to another, should happen within one working day. This rule will reportedly take effect from April 2011. The current time that is allotted is 2 days.

For switching from one mobile phone operator to another, while retaining the same number, a user needs something called as PAC (Porting Authorisation Code), which should be given to them by the existing mobile network operator. When a consumer wants to switch networks, he has to give this PAC to the operator he wishes to switch to. Ofcom have as well ruled that the PAC should be provided immediately when a customer asks for it or via text message within 2 hours of its request.

Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said "Ensuring consumers can switch between communications providers by removing unnecessary barriers is one of Ofcom's priorities for 2010/11. Being able to switch quickly and easily between mobile providers is an important part of healthy and effective competition."

The reaction of the network operators:-
3 Mobile is not very happy with the decision of letting the present provider initiate the process of switching (providing PAC number) for the consumer. 3 believes that allowing number transfers to be handled by the new network will make the competition effective. However, the other networks like O2, Orange and Vodafone are of the opinion that, this might lead to customers being shifted to new networks without their full consent.

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