British consumers will next year be able to transfer their mobile number to a new provider in just one working day rather than the current two days, the telecoms regulator Ofcom has confirmed.

In 1999 it used to take consumers up to 25 days to switch their number to a new provider via a fax-based system. Nowadays, web-based systems mean that faster switching times can be achieved.

The new regulations, which will require mobile operators to make changes to their systems and processes, will come into force on 11 April 2011.

Immediate Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) provision

The new regulations also require the PAC that consumers need to switch provider and keep their number to be issued either immediately over the phone or within a maximum of two hours by text message. The time and way in which PACs are issued currently varies with some PACs only issued by letter, which can take several days to arrive.

Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards, said: "Ensuring consumers can switch between communications providers by removing unnecessary barriers is one of Ofcom's priorities for 2010/11. Being able to switch quickly and easily between mobile providers is an important part of healthy and effective competition."