Personal Legal Services News
No more “shock bills” for mobile phone users
It was announced today that the government is taking steps to protect consumers from “sky-high bills” in the event of their mobile phones being stolen.
In collaboration with EE, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone, it has been agreed that there will be a new cap on the maximum customers would be expected to pay. The cap is expected to come into place in spring 2014 and it is believed that it will be similar to the £50 liability cap on stolen credit and debit cards.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller had meetings with the main providers last month and has commented that this deal will go far to protect consumers and also avoid “shock bills”.
She further stated: “Families can be left struggling if carefully planned budgets are blown away by unexpected bills from a stolen mobile or mid-contract price rise.”
EE, Three, Virgin Media, Vodafone, BT, Talk Talk and Sky have agreed with government that steps need to be taken to warn customers about mid-contract price hikes.
Customers will also be given the option to end their contract without penalty if they are unhappy with the rises. In future, EE, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone have all pledged to work with the government by removing all roaming charges in the EU by 2016.
Sources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25196425