Commenting on the Ofcom proposals, which would enable mobile, broadband and landline customers to quit their contracts without penalty following price hikes, Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says: “This news from Ofcom is very welcome. Anyone who has been on the receiving end of a price hike will have felt at the mercy of their provider as well as hard done by – and rightly so.
“When prices go up, many consumers would be better off switching, but currently have to stay put or risk hefty exit fees. If you’re a mobile customer tied into a two-year phone contract, price rises have the potential to burn a sizeable hole in your pocket before you can leave.
“Reading the small print is futile. Even those who religiously study their terms and conditions before signing up will find that all providers cover themselves for price increases in line with the RPI. It’s almost impossible to find a contract where prices are truly fixed for the length of your deal.
“The move Ofcom has proposed reflects the energy industry, which although often berated, allows customers to leave a contract without paying exit fees if prices rocket. Giving people the power to make their feelings clear by leaving if prices go up means providers will no longer be able to call the shots as soon as inflation hits.
“However it remains to be seen if this dream can become a reality. Even if all providers do get on board with the proposal, it’s likely that consumers could still be the victim of mid-contract price rises for the rest of 2013.”
Katherine Moss
Phone: 020 3021 5893
Email: katherine.moss@uswitch.com
Twitter: @uswitchPR
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