Commenting on EE’s planned price rises and the introduction of a fixed price premium, Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says: “Price increases to monthly bills, set to come into effect in March and April, will be a blow to EE’s customers, especially considering the ever-increasing cost of living. However, the network is providing customers with a ‘get out of jail card’ by offering a fixed price option. This innovative alternative will not only give customers a way to avoid these increases, but will also shelter them from any future rises.
“Many consumers have been left feeling misled and out of pocket after signing up to a fixed-term contract, only for the price to go up in the middle of it. Even small increases can be a big burden to cash-strapped consumers. The option to fix the line rental element of a mobile contract for a small premium is a victory for both consumer protection and clarity.
“A fixed price for the full length of mobile phone contracts is something that Ofcom is currently looking at, so it’s great to see EE taking the initiative and acting off its own back. In fact, giving customers a choice between fixed and variable plans could even be better, especially as the premium for peace of mind is as little as 50p a month. And because both new and existing customers will be able to opt-in to the fixed price option, EE could hold on to those customers who are unhappy with its upcoming price rise.
“Implementing this move ahead of any action from the regulator is a bold step, but EE could benefit from being the trailblazer. The protection against surprise increases could be just the pull cash-strapped consumers need to make the jump from a network they’re unhappy with.
“The network also plans to make it clearer to consumers at the point of sale that regular mobile deals can vary in price over the length of the contract. Together, these moves equate to a huge step in the right direction for better consumer protection and choice, so we applaud EE for being the first to make a move and look forward to seeing other mobile providers follow its lead.”
Katherine Moss
Phone: 020 3021 5893
Email: katherine.moss@uswitch.com
Twitter: @uswitchPR
It’s all about “U”!
Thank you for indulging us over the last 20 years by using a small ‘u’ and a big ‘S’ when writing about our brand in your articles.
We are delighted to let you know that you are now off the hook - it’s big U’s all the way (and small s’s) as we undertake our biggest ever rebrand - so let your autocorrect go wild!
Uswitch is the UK’s top comparison website for home services switching. Launched in September 2000, we help consumers save money on their gas, electricity, broadband, mobile, TV, and financial services products and get more of what matters to them. Last year we saved consumers over £373 million on their energy bills alone.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a new business that also owns Money.co.uk and Bankrate.
If you would no longer like to receive our press releases please email prteam@uswitch.com with 'unsubscribe'.