The INQ: less you forget
|
|
|
Mobile industry is shafting customers on contract cancellations
OVER HALF OF UK PUNTERS aren't told that they can cancel their mobile phone contacts if their local coverage is rubbish.
The Communications Consumer Panel in the UK published a report saying that. The results of its research state that most customers simply aren't given the low-down on cancellation policies from mobile contractors if coverage is dodgy.
Using a mystery shopper, the research found that 56 per cent of people who bought at a retail store weren't given the correct information about their rights of cancellation.
The report also revealed that different operators and retailers have completely different policies on cancellations. Some operators point blank refuse to cancel contracts even if there wasn't any coverage. That's not limited coverage, it's no coverage at all.
If punters were allowed to annul their contact, the length of time varied on when they were allowed to cancel.
The Communications Consumer Panel recommended giving punters a minimum 14-day cancellation policy for poor coverage and consistent policies for all. It seems only fair. µ
Share this:
Share
I have had a contract with o2 for two years. It was a good deal and was happy. On checking my account I found that the amount they took out was triple what I normally pay. When I rang they said they had texted me in May saying I was up for renewal. I dont remember getting this as I delete all uncalled for texts on my phone, but questioned why they had not informed me on line and why someone had called me 2 weeks before and asked if I wanted to change my arrangment. On being told 'no' they agreed that it would stay as it was. I feel that I have been tied up in small print and will not use them again.
You don't even need that specific mobile phone coverage clause. The standard
"Unfit for purpose" clause in the sales of goods act is enough.
I know, I've done it, when a friend of mine bought a 3G dongle from 3. Despite living in an area which showed on the 3 coverage map as "very good" she was unable to get more any signal in the house, and only pitiful throughput with the dongle taped onto the window and connected via a USB extension lead to the PC.
She even got the credit she had paid for, and partially used, refunded.
Nothing like speaking in a firm, raised voice in a shop full of customers :-)
Now what I would like to know is how to deal with a mobile contract when the signal vanishes halfway through a contract, followed one month later by a text message from Orange saying "We have now finished upgrades in your area, you should see a marked improvement"... Needless to say it appear that it was their upgrades which actually murdered my coverage!