2 September 2008
Vodafone has been accused of misleading its customers over their contract terms after putting up minimum call charges by 25%. The National Consumer Council (NCC) has criticised the mobile phone operator for allegedly "trapping" consumers into agreements. According to the NCC, Vodafone customers are entitled to end their contracts without incurring a fee if their bills increase by more than 10%, as stated in their terms and conditions. However, it claims that when customers have called to terminate, they have been told this will not be possible unless they pay a penalty. Commenting, Anna Fielder, Senior Policy Adviser at the NCC, said: "It is blatant dishonesty. Vodafone has raised bills more than 10% in many cases, but is not being transparent." Meanwhile, industry regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation into the mobile phone market and is inviting consumers to give their opinions on the products and services being offered by operators.