TOTSCo: One Touch Switch – What is it and how could it help you?

Ofcom recently announced a ‘One Touch Switch’ rule for telecom companies. This rule means broadband and landline providers must offer residential customers a simplified process for switching suppliers.

As of 2022 41% of residential landline users put off switching to an internet-based phone system due to the hassle of contacting multiple suppliers, while 43% also thought that the process of switching would be too complicated and take too long. This shows there is a reluctance among residential landline users, in up taking new internet-based phone systems ahead of the traditional phone line switch off.

As you should now be aware, as of January 2023 traditional phone lines (the wired house phones we have all been used to) began being switched off. The process of this switch off is expected to be completed by 2025, so there is an increasing urgency in ensuring people’s phone lines are switched before they are cut off completely.

One Touch Switch (TOTSCo) offers customers the clear, consistent and easy to navigate experience that they require, regardless of the network provider(s) involved. Meaning your new supplier will take responsibility from the start and will make sure that the requested switch happens. This started in Spring 2023, so now is the perfect time to an internet based telephone provider.

How does it work? The industry has come together to create The One Touch Switching Company (TOTSCo), who have created a hub which will carry customer details and other relevant data between the service providers. Offering a streamline service that allows simplicity for the end user – similar to the bank account switching service that you may be aware of, which offers a 7-day switching service which is incredibly easy and managed by the banks themselves.

For more information, check out the BT One Touch Switch FAQ.