Broadband switching complaints halve

Fewer companies or individuals are experiencing difficulties when they try and change their broadband provider, according to new figures.

Telecoms watchdog Ofcom revealed that it has received less than half the number of complaints over broadband switching so far this year, compared to 2006.

Last year, some 500 complaints were registered a week over hold-ups or poor customer service when switching broadband.

But 2007 has seen this number fall to 180 complaints per week, thisismoney.co.uk reports.

This follows changes to the switching procedures imposed by Ofcom, which included making service providers give all customers a Mac serial number within five working days of broadband being ordered so that the connection can be confirmed.

With competition still running high in the broadband market, the ability to switch between providers easily is a boon for all companies or home users as they hunt for the best deal.

But firms are most likely to prefer a broadband supplier which can offer them reliability over speed, as this ensures their web-based services such as a virtual private network, IP PBX or VoIP phones remain functional.