UK: Mobile Number Porting With In Two Hours

The UK's telecoms regulator, Ofcom has issued new rules making it easier for consumers to keep their mobile number when they switch providers. Under the new rules, consumers will be able to receive calls using their existing number within 2 hours of moving to a new mobile network. Previously the processing time was 5 days.



The move follows Ofcom's earlier decision to reduce mobile number porting lead times from 5 days to 2 days from 1 April 2008. Two hour transfers for mobile numbers must now be implemented by 1 September 2009.

In addition, industry will be obliged to ensure that the new porting process includes the necessary levels of protection for consumers.