Ofcom today outlined plans to simplify the process for consumers to change their mobile provider by placing “the responsibility for the switch entirely in the hands of the company to which the customer is moving”.

In a statement, Ofcom said it is seeking views from operators on a range of mobile switching options, which includes introducing a simpler process, technically known as ‘gaining provider led’ switching, meaning consumers will no longer need to contact their current provider to change their network, unless they want to.

The UK watchdog said it is also considering plans to simplify the process of obtaining a code for consumers to keep their existing numbers.

Under the current system, a customer can keep their existing number by obtaining a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from their provider, and then port it to a new provider.

If consumers do not want to keep their number, they need to cancel the existing service with their old provider, and organise a new number with a new operator.

Ofcom expressed concerns over current switching processes, which “may cause confusion and increase the perception that switching is hard, meaning consumers may miss out on the best deals”.

To simplify the process of obtaining the PAC code, for example, Ofcom said consumers could benefit from further channels for requesting and receiving the code, thus reducing the level of engagement required with the existing provider.

This could be achieved by implementing an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or through SMS.

According to Ofcom research, switching rates for mobile services fell from 9 per cent to 6 per cent between 2013 and 2014. In the 12 months to July 2014, 13 per cent switched at least one communications service, down from 2013 (20 per cent) and 2012 (19 per cent).

Recently appointed Ofcom chief executive Sharon White vowed to make switching between providers easier for consumers when taking the reins in March, and she has already introduced a simpler process for consumers to switch between their broadband networks. Ofcom’s latest plans also follow its industry-wide investigation into arrangements for cancelling and terminating services.

“Consumers should be able to switch their mobile providers with minimum hassle to take advantage of the best deals on the market,” said White. Ofcom recently made switching easier for millions of broadband users, and we are now focusing on improving the process for mobile customers.”

Operators have until 6 October to submit responses to the proposals