Can anyone tell me why two years ago when I got my Vodafone contract I just showed some ID and that was fine but now I am trying to change to Orange and they want proof of 3 years address to pass the security check and run a credit check?
Probably because they've been defrauded too many times plus the fact that the government is pressurising all mobile phone companies to ensure that all phones are registered to checkable names and addresses. (That either comes under 'responsible anti-terrorism measures' or 'bullying by big brother' depending upon your point of view).