The new rule will apply to all home broadband users, including cable and full-fibre customers.

This means you can switch between different networks or technologies – for example, from a provider using the Openreach network to one using CityFibre’s, or from Virgin Media to Hyperoptic. A usually drawn out and frankly, painful process.

‘One Touch’ hopes to create a framwork in which changes can happen much quicker – within one day, whereever possible, according to Ofcom.

The new system will work by a customer contacting their chosen new provider and giving their details. The customer then automatically receives important information from their current provider.

This includes any early contract termination charges they may have to pay, and how the switch may affect other services the customer has with the company.

If the customer wants to go ahead, the new provider will then manage the switch.

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Previous Ofcom research showed that four in ten people (41%) who decide against switching were put off by the hassle of having to contact more than one provider.

A similar number (43%) were put off switching as they think it will be too time-consuming. And of those who do switch, nearly a quarter (24%) who contact their current provider face unwanted attempts to persuade them to stay.

Under Ofcom’s new rules, providers will also have to compensate customers if things go wrong and they are left without a service for more than one working day. They have also banned notice-period charges beyond the switch date.

All providers must have the ‘One Touch Switch’ process in place by April 2023.

This will involve making significant changes to their systems and will require a wide range of companies to work together. To facilitate this, Ofcom has insisted that companies begin work on the transition immediately.