Plain guide

What is Switching for Business?

Switching for Business (SforB) is the way business broadband and voice customers move between UK providers. The new provider leads the process, which is why the industry calls it Gaining Provider Led Business, or GPLB. See how CSP runs it on our Switching for Business page.

In short

  • Who it covers: business broadband and voice customers
  • Who leads: the new (gaining) provider
  • Industry name: GPLB, also called SforB
  • Match reply: by the end of the next working day
Residential vs business

How does it differ from residential switching?

Residential customers use One Touch Switching, where the match reply must arrive within 60 seconds. That is a mandatory service level, not an estimate. Business switches can involve several sites, services and contracts, so the match response can take until the end of the next working day, and longer for large volumes.

At a glance

  • Residential: One Touch Switching. Match reply within 60 seconds. This is a mandatory service level, not an estimate.
  • Business: Switching for Business. Match reply by the end of the next working day, and longer for large volumes.
  • Why the difference: one business switch can cover several sites, services and contracts.

Business switching vs residential One Touch Switching

Does it apply to me? If you sell broadband or voice to UK business customers and send the bill, Switching for Business applies to you. Complying with residential One Touch Switching does not cover it. CSP runs both.

Residential One Touch Switching Switching for Business
Match reply Automatic, within 60 seconds By the end of the next working day, longer for large volumes. Not automatic.
Services per switch One customer, one switch Many services under one switch order reference (SOR), valid for up to 180 days
How you connect Through CSP, a Managed Access Provider (MAP), to the TOTSCo hub Through CSP, a Managed Access Provider (MAP), to TOTSCo, on the Connected Services Framework (CSF)
SOR valid for 30 days Up to 180 days
Also called OTS SforB, Gaining Provider Led Business (GPLB)
With CSP Portal, API or both Portal, API or both
Terms

Glossary

Residential and business work differently. One Touch Switching runs through the central TOTSCo hub. Switching for Business does not need a central hub: providers exchange messages directly or through a MAP.

GPLBGaining Provider Led Business. The industry process for business switching.
SforBSwitching for Business. The common name for GPLB.
TOTSCoThe company that runs the central hub for residential switching messages (One Touch Switching). For business switching, CSP connects you to TOTSCo as a Managed Access Provider (MAP).
MAPManaged access provider. A company that connects a provider to the hub and runs the technical side. CSP is one.
CSFConnected Services Framework. A free, open way for providers to exchange switching messages directly.
SORSwitch order reference. The reference that ties a match to an order, valid for up to 180 days.
Gaining / losing providerThe new provider and the old provider.
Your obligations

Do I have to take part?

Ofcom’s rules say that providers of fixed broadband and voice must support gaining-provider-led switching for business customers.

Want help? See how CSP runs Switching for Business and One Touch Switching, or Book a demo.

Read more

  • Ofcom: the regulator
  • TOTSCo: the residential switching hub
  • CSF: the open framework for business switching

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