On July 7, 2025, TOTSCo announced the start of the onboarding process for ISPs to participate in its new business broadband switching platform. This development is part of the broader effort to ensure smoother, more efficient switching for business customers, similar to the successful consumer service that has facilitated nearly 1.3 million broadband switches since its launch in September 2024.
The business switching process, unlike the consumer-focused One Touch Switching (OTS), has traditionally been more complex due to longer contract terms, different types of connectivity, and varying service level agreements (SLAs). Recognizing these challenges, TOTSCo has developed a dedicated platform that may see adapted versions used by different providers, although participation remains optional in a competitive market.
According to Paul Bradbury, CEO of TOTSCo, the onboarding is set to involve testing and setup guidance for both providers connecting directly and those using Managed Access Providers (MAPs). This initiative aims to keep the consumer-oriented OTS service unaffected while expanding solutions tailored for business needs.
The new business switching service is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, with the onboarding process serving as a critical step in its deployment. TOTSCo also plans to share comprehensive user guides to support ISPs in integrating with the system.
This move indicates a continuous effort by Ofcom and industry stakeholders to improve switching processes across UK telecom services, promoting better competition and customer choice.