Posted: 07th Jun, 2007 By: MarkJ
Following complaints from consumers, Ofcom has begun a review into the additional charges some home phone, mobile, broadband and TV operators issue to end-users:
Ofcom will examine consumers awareness of and attitudes to these types of charges. The review will consider whether additional charges are sufficiently transparent, whether the charges or their levels are unfair and what action, if any, is necessary.
Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards said: "Consumers of communications services see headline prices fall. But they must not be misled. As they make their choice of provider, they need confidence that any additional charges are fair, transparent and justified."
Related charges can be issued for not paying by direct debit, late payments, having service restored after it has been restricted or suspended following late payment and early contract termination fees.
To date weve not seen any big problems with this in the ISP industry, although no doubt there will be some exceptions.