A major factor for business communications is mobile expenditure. It is commonplace for employees to have work mobiles to increase productivity, efficiency and new business. However, despite their many advantages, business mobiles can be a significant expense for a company, as well as a nuisance when it comes to finding the time to seek a new provider and switch to get the best deal.
New Ofcom regulations
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has introduced new rules to help switching mobile providers a lot easier, saving businesses time and money when it comes to seeking the best mobile provider. It was previously the case that when you wanted to switch mobile network and keep your mobile number, you had to call your provider to obtain your porting authorisation code (PAC). This code then needed to be given to your new mobile network provider for the switching process to commence. This is often an off-putting task as the process can be long-winded, with providers trying to keep their customers with persuasive sales tactics.
However, under Ofcom’s new regulations, mobile customers can now leave their network by sending a free text message, with no need for a frustrating phone call. The new ‘text-to-switch’ initiative provides a quicker and easier method to leave a mobile provider, as well as gives the consumer more control.
Ofcom outlines that if you want to switch provider and keep your existing mobile phone number, you need to simply text ‘PAC’ to 65075 to start the process. Your current provider should then promptly reply by text and send you your PAC, which will be valid for 30 days. The provider’s reply must also include important information about any early termination fees or pay-as-you-go credit balances. You will then need to give the PAC to your new provider, and they must organise for the switch to be completed within one working day.
Alternatively, for those who want to switch provider and get a new mobile number, you need to text ‘STAC’ to 75075 to request a service termination authorisation code, which will be followed by a similar process to the one noted above.
Why these new rules are useful for businesses
Not only do the new rules make the switching process a lot easier for businesses and their mobile users, but they can also help to reduce costs. Ofcom has banned mobile providers from charging for notice periods that run after the switch date – so you will not have to pay your old and new mobile providers at the same time. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you will need to give your new provider the PAC or STAC number, to allow your old and new providers to make sure there is no double payment.
Better business mobile
In addition to Ofcom’s new rules making business mobile usage easier and more cost effective through providing a simple switching process, as well as eliminating the risk of double payments, there are business communications firms like SA1 Telecoms that remove all the hassle for you. Knowing which providers to switch to is the key starting point and that can only be achieved by analysing your companies mobile phone usage and researching the best tariff offers. SA1 Telecoms can do all this for you, so not only is switching made easier, but you can rest assured you are switching to the best deal and saving your business money.
Are you getting the best deal from your current mobile provider? Speak to one of our experts at SA1 Telecoms to find out. Call us on 01792 293322 or email info@sa1telecoms.com
For more information of Ofcom’s ‘text to switch’ process, please click here
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