Consumer survey says phone switch 'too difficult'

Almost half of broadband and landline customers think switching provider is "too much hassle", an Ofcom study has found.

The telecoms regulator found 45 per cent of consumers with either connection are reluctant to go through the process.

Ofcom is considering ways to make switching quicker and easier, and will initially focus on broadband and landlines in an effort to make competition more effective.

Under proposals announced yesterday, a customer's new provider would take the lead on switching. However the plan would need to protect consumers from being switched without their consent, Ofcom said.