When you're unhappy with your mobile network provider, you often grin and bear it to avoid the excruciating confusion of trying to get out of a contract with them.
But that's all about to change to thanks to new Ofcom rules.
From Monday (July 1), mobile customers will be able to leave their network by sending a free, simple text.
In a matter of seconds you'll have your 'porting authorisation code' (PAC) which you need to be able to switch without having to speak to anyone from your provider.
The new 'text-to-switch' process is deigned to make it quicker and easier to leave your mobile company - giving back control to you, the customer.
It comes after the regulator found 2.5million people have experienced at least one major problem when switching, whilst seven in ten ran into some difficutly.
So, how do you do it?
If you want to switch but want to keep your existing mobile number (because we all know how long it takes to get them memorised) you simply need to text 'PAC' to 65075.
Your current provider will then send you your PAC code withing a minute and this will be valid for 30 days. You then give this to your new provider to arrange for this switch to be made.
If you're after a new number, you need to text 'STAC' to 75075 instead. This is to request a 'service termination authorisation code' and although the name is different, the next steps are exactly the same as above.
The other good news is that Ofcom has also banned mobile providers from charging for notice periods running after the switch date.
This means that once you have passed over your PAC or STAC number, secondary charges will be cancelled.
Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom's Consumer Group Director, said: "Breaking up with your mobile provider has never been easier thanks to Ofcom's new rules.
"You won’t need to have that awkward chat with your current provider to take advantage of the great deals available."
