12 September 2008
A radio advert for a Vodafone mobile phone package offering unlimited calls, text messages and internet access has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. The ruling was made after a listener complained that the mobile phone retailer spoke too quickly during the ad when reading out the terms and conditions. According to the listener, the 30-word disclaimer was communicated in just eight seconds, making it inaudible and impossible to understand. The disclaimer read: "Subject to status, availability and connection to 18-month contract. Unlimited calls to landlines or Vodafone mobiles only. Fair-use policy, terms and 60-minute call cap applies." Vodafone has insisted the speed at which the terms and conditions were read out was no faster than that of other radio adverts, where lots of information has to be conveyed orally in a short space of time. Meanwhile, Vodafone has announced plans to allow its mobile phone customers to send messages to friends from their Facebook page for ten pence.