The Changing Internet Landscape: Is Ofcom's OTS Really the Answer for Broadband Customers?

We’ve all experienced it — a dropped Zoom call, a buffering stream during a live event, or pages that refuse to load just when we need them most. In moments like these, switching broadband providers can seem like the only solution. That’s where Ofcom’s new One Touch Switching (OTS) system comes in. It promises a faster, easier way to change providers — but does it actually fix the core problems with broadband in the UK?

What Is One Touch Switching?

One Touch Switching is a new system introduced by Ofcom to make switching broadband providers simpler and faster. Instead of juggling between old and new providers or sitting through long phone calls, customers can now make the switch by contacting just one provider — and they handle the rest.

It’s designed to remove the hassle of delays, confusion, and overlapping services. In principle, it means you can move to a new provider with minimal effort and without losing service in the process.

It Makes Switching Easier — But That’s All It Does

OTS is a welcome improvement for anyone frustrated with the traditional switching process. But while it simplifies how you change providers, it doesn’t guarantee better broadband performance.

Switching may be easier now — but what happens if the new provider has the same issues as the one you just left? That’s the limitation. OTS is designed to streamline the process, not to ensure you're switching to a better-quality connection.

The Real Problem Is Still Service Quality

A smooth switching system is helpful, but it doesn’t solve core broadband problems like:

• Intermittent dropouts

• Slower-than-promised speeds

• Unstable connections during peak hours

• Ongoing outages

Without knowing how your current connection is actually performing, switching becomes a gamble. You might leave one provider only to find the new one has the same reliability issues — especially in areas with limited infrastructure.

Why Monitoring Still Matters

While OTS addresses convenience, broadband monitoring addresses quality.

For users who want to understand how well their service is performing — before or after switching — performance monitoring tools are essential. These tools track speed, downtime, and connection stability over time, giving users a clear picture of what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

With this kind of data, customers can make informed decisions about switching — and have the evidence they need if things go wrong.

A Smarter Way to Take Control of Your Internet

OTS is part of a broader shift toward customer empowerment in the broadband market. But it's just one piece of the puzzle. To truly take control of your internet experience, you need both choice and visibility.

That means:

• The ability to switch easily (which OTS now enables)

• The ability to track performance over time

• The ability to challenge your provider with clear evidence when service falls short

OTS helps with the first step. Monitoring tools help with the rest.

What You Should Know Before Switching

Ofcom’s One Touch Switching system is a step in the right direction. It makes changing providers easier — and that’s important. But for anyone dealing with ongoing service issues, an easier switch isn’t enough on its own.

Before making a move, it's worth understanding how your current service is performing, whether you're getting what you're paying for, and what your real options are.

Switching providers is now easier than ever — but choosing the right one (and holding them accountable) still requires the right tools.