Ofcom celebrates success of One Touch Switch
February 3, 2026
Over 1.6 million customers have switched landline or broadband provider using One Touch Switch process since it launched a year ago, reporrs media regulator Ofcom.
One Touch Switch allows simple switching for broadband and landline customers, regardless of which network they are with. Under a ‘one touch’ process, customers now only have to contact their new provider, who will manage the whole switch, triggering vital switching implications to be sent to the customer – meaning there’s no need to contact the old provider.
Since 2015, people have been able to switch between providers on Openreach’s network – such as BT and Sky. But Ofcom’s rules mean that all landline and broadband customers now benefit from the same process. So, with more new fibre networks available covering millions of homes, whether users are with Virgin or an altnet like Community Fibre or Hyperoptic, they can now switch seamlessly.
One Touch Switch is also delivering significant benefits to customers, noted Ofcom. One of those benefits is no longer having to pay notice-period charges beyond the switch date, as the providers must now coordinate the switch over date. This can save both time and money, as people do not need to coordinate this themselves. And providers must also compensate customers if there’s a delay to the start of the new service, or if they are left without a connection for more than one working day.
Simpler switching is also encouraging competition. Over 300 providers are signed up to One Touch Switch, making it easier for customers to shop around for a better deal.
Cristina Luna Esteban, Ofcom’s Telecoms Policy Director for Networks and Communications, commented: “It’s never been simpler to switch, so we’re pleased that millions of customers have taken advantage of One Touch Switch in the last year and got themselves a new deal. But there are still many customers who are out of contract and could be missing out on savings. So, we’re urging people to check their contract, compare the offers out there and if changing provider gives them the best deal to switch and save.”