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BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

Oldjim
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BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/ofcom_telecoms_bills_clampdown/
Quote
The UK regulator said penalties for paying by cash and cheque rather than direct debit, ending contracts early, or paying bills late should only reflect the charge to the operator rather than a way to get more money out of consumers and businesses.
Ofcom said its guidance, which covers landline, broadband, mobile and pay-TV providers, will ensure charges are "fair and transparent".
6 REPLIES 6
shutter
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Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

At the moment, the wording of that report, refers to "ofcom proposals"  and that when they have reviewed it and consulted the suppliers, they will have three months to comply......
Presumably up until that time, we consumers, have to pay these charges, and then,  IF/When, the proposals become "law" we shall have the right to claim back "overcharging" on them, as with bank charges?
Oldjim
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Re: BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

Having actually read the report - BT are probably in the clear
Quote
fcom has found that both sides have strong feelings on the subject. In turn, we believe that:
    * companies must be clearer on what customers will actually pay. When they advertise prices, it must be obvious what any extra charges for paying by cash or cheque will be. Customers can then shop around and compare, with charges brought under the spotlight of healthy competition;
    * if a company doesn’t make it obvious in its advertisements what the different charges for different ways of paying are, any extra charges must relate to direct costs only. They should only include the company’s extra costs of collecting normal payments – and not, for example, chasing bad debts. Ofcom will make sure our rules for fair charging are followed.
      However, where extra charges are made obvious in the advertised prices, normal competition – and not Ofcom - will decide how much they will be. We are expecting companies to make their advertising and brochures much clearer. Customers will then have the facts to know who to choose and exactly what they’ll pay. If companies fail to be clearer, we may need to investigate further and make sure their charges fairly reflect genuine extra costs.
shutter
Community Veteran
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Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

Worth keeping an eye on the situation. and listen to the news, and also th channel 5 it pays to watch, cos you can be sure "he" will have something to say if we can claim it back ! !  Roll_eyes Smiley Grin Roll_eyes
Peter_Vaughan
Grafter
Posts: 14,469
Registered: ‎30-07-2007

Re: BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

The way I read it, if companies make it clear in any advertising / product descriptions and pricing about these charges then they can still be applied.
Oldjim
Resting Legend
Posts: 38,460
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Registered: ‎15-06-2007

Re: BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

As I said three posts up  Grin
additional
Newbie
Posts: 1
Registered: ‎03-03-2008

Re: BT Phone in trouble with Ofcom

There is only one way to meet BT's arrogance - change provider.