Mobile phone companies accused by customers of hiding double-digit price increases

The regulator stated that it would investigate the entire industry, but did not specify which operators or contracts were most concerning.

Ofcom stated that it was concerned that price difference clauses in consumer agreements entered into between 16 June 2022 and 1 March 2021 may not have been sufficiently obvious and transparent in the wake “consumer complaints”.

The telegraph It was revealed in July by Ofcom that they were looking into the small-sized version of customer contracts and if they were fair.

Lindsey Fossell, Director of Ofcom Networks, said: “With millions of people having to deal with mounting household bills, it is more important than ever that telcos do not shy away from their responsibilities and that customers are kept fully informed of what they are signing up for.

“It is vital that people are made aware of any future price increases during the contract. We are investigating if this has been done in practice.”

Ofcom reported that a third of UK households (roughly 9 million) had difficulty paying their bills for broadband, phones, and streaming services as the cost of living increased.

A spokesperson for BT said that the price increases are “obvious, predictable, and they occur in April every year”. According to the spokesperson, BT is committed to customers receiving clear communications to remind them about any changes.

“We are committed to following industry best practices, and we will fully participate in Ofcom’s program.”

Dana Toback, chief executive of BT rival Hyperoptic, said: “This is a huge step forward in preventing consumers from being harmed by higher prices for intermediate contracts. As we explained in my letter to Ofcom in April, there is overwhelming evidence that consumers are not aware of the terms of the contract.” , and how they will be affected by it — which is especially important in this cost-of-living crisis.”