TOTSCo Advances Business Broadband Switching Implementation with New Consultation Phase

The One Touch Switching Company (TOTSCo) has launched a significant initiative to extend its switching platform to business broadband customers, marking a crucial development in the UK telecommunications sector. The company has initiated a 21-day consultation period, running until January 31, 2025, to propose changes to their User Agreement and MAP Agreement, specifically tailored to accommodate business switching requirements.

The development comes as TOTSCo continues to refine its residential One Touch Switching (OTS) system, which has been operational since September 2024. The business switching solution will build upon the same foundations as the consumer platform but will be adapted to meet the unique needs of business customers.

The current OTS system operates as a Gaining Provider Led (GPL) process, where customers initiate switches through their new provider. While this system is mandatory for residential customers, the business sector presents unique challenges. Ofcom, the national telecoms regulator, has acknowledged that business customers often have different switching needs and that the diversity among businesses makes it impractical to apply uniform rules across all business customers.

Despite the lack of strict regulatory requirements, TOTSCo is developing the Gaining Provider Led Business (GPLB) Switching Industry Process. This initiative responds to the practical reality that many business providers will likely benefit from using TOTSCo’s platform to facilitate switching solutions. The first integration testing phase for the business switching system is anticipated to begin in Q2 2025.

The development of the business switching solution has gained significant industry support. TOTSCo has received commitments from providers who are prepared to fund and utilize the solution, giving the organization confidence to proceed without introducing financial risk. However, some Managed Access Providers (MAPs) are considering alternative approaches based on a network of hubs rather than TOTSCo’s single central hub model. In response, TOTSCo has expressed openness to developing interconnection capabilities with these alternative solutions.

This business switching initiative follows TOTSCo’s progress with its residential switching platform, which has seen mixed results since its September 2024 launch. The residential system has processed over 100,000 switch orders, though with a switch match success rate of approximately 60%. The organization continues to work on improving these success rates while expanding its services to the business sector.

The consultation period launched by TOTSCo represents a crucial step in adapting their contracts to accommodate business switching requirements. Following the consultation, there will be a 90-day period before the approved changes are implemented. This methodical approach ensures that all stakeholders have adequate time to review and provide input on the proposed changes.

TOTSCo’s expansion into business switching demonstrates the organization’s commitment to streamlining telecommunications services across all market segments. While business switching remains a competitive market without mandatory requirements, TOTSCo’s platform offers a standardized solution that could benefit providers and their business customers alike.