UK watchdog calls for quicker number portability

[Ironwalt]

UK watchdog calls for quicker number portability
Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:21am EST

LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom said mobile phone customers who switch network operators and keep their existing numbers should be able to have the switch done in two hours rather than five days.

However, Ofcom said on Thursday that the new rules on number portability, which should make it quicker and easier for consumers to switch network operators, would only be implemented by Sept. 1, 2009.

3 UK, the smallest of Britain's five mobile phone networks which is owned by Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa (0013.HK: Quote, Profile, Research), has repeatedly complained about what it calls the delaying tactics of its larger rivals in allowing customers to switch networks, which it says hampers competition.

The company says in some countries, it is possible to switch networks while keeping existing telephone numbers in just 20 minutes. (Reporting by Kirstin Ridley, Editing by Paul Bolding)