Broadband customers with connections not up to speed will be able to dump them

Ofcom says four in 10 Brits have been put off trying to move to a better deal because of the hassle, and the “One Touch Switch” system, to come into force in 2023, will make it easy

Broadband customers whose providers are not up to speed will be able to dump them without a word.

A rules shake-up will allow fed-up users to contact a new supplier and let it pull the plug on their old one.

Customers currently have to do the leg work when moving between operators including BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin.

According to Ofcom four in 10 Brits have been put off even trying to move to a better deal because of the hassle.

It claims the “One Touch Switch” system, due to come into effect in April 2023, will make the process easy.

And it will cut the time it takes to move to a new firm to 24 hours where “technically possible”.

The move was welcomed by Which? But the consumer watchdog urged households unhappy with their current provider to switch now.

Spokeswoman Rocio Concha said: “The coronavirus crisis has meant consumers are more reliant on a good broadband connection than they’ve ever been before.

“So it’s positive to see the regulator removing barriers that are preventing people switching providers and getting a better deal.

“Consumers also shouldn’t delay looking for a new deal – anyone unhappy with their provider could save up to £143 a year and get improved service by switching.”