UK consumers can enjoy the most competitive telecoms plans but are enough enjoying the benefits?

Commenting on Ofcom’s report that UK communications deals are cheaper than in other major countries, Marie-Louise Abretti, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says: “This report is great news. With many of us struggling with the rising cost of living, this confirmation that consumers can enjoy great value telecoms deals is very welcome. The picture is even rosier when it comes to mobile deals, with Brits enjoying the best value-for money. However, with France trumping the UK for the best family bundle deal and our premium TV packages at double the price of Germany’s, clearly there’s room for improvement.

“However, Ofcom’s research only talks about what deals are available – not consumer uptake. While UK consumers have access to cheaper plans, the reality is that many aren’t taking them up. Plenty are over-paying for inappropriate plans for their usage, or failing to act when their contracts are up for renewal. This is particularly costly for mobile users who could carry on paying for a handset long after they’ve already covered the cost.

“In order for consumers to really enjoy the benefits of some of the cheapest plans in the world, they need to trust the market, make it work for them and enjoy greater protection. As the Government’s recent interest in the market emphasises, more can be done to help this, ensuring consumers make big savings by taking advantage of the best deals for their needs.

“From Ofcom scrapping mid-contract price rises, to the Government mooting monetary caps on calls from stolen phones, any proposed measures to protect telecoms customers and boost competition are welcome. But the devil is, as always, in the detail. To have a wide-reaching impact, we need such policies to be enforced rather than being voluntary for networks, and they need to come into effect sooner rather than later.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Katherine Moss

Phone: 020 3021 5893

Email: katherine.moss@uswitch.com

Twitter: @uswitchPR

About us

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!

About Uswitch

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'.