Ofcom announces new consumer powers

Thursday, June 11th 2015
Broadband customers are to be given powers to switch providers if their service does not meet their expectations.
Ofcom announces new consumer powers
UK communications industry regulator Ofcom has unveiled a raft of new powers that aim to support consumers and their right to switch broadband providers without "unfair penalties".

Individuals that sign up to agreements to secure realistically-promised broadband speeds are now being given the right to move supplier penalty-free if their level of service is not up to the standard they were promised.

Until now, many companies had contract clauses binding consumers to their agreement for months at a time unless they agreed to pay a penalty charge, but these hidden fees have now been abolished.

Ofcom has ruled that all contracts must now be "clear and fair with no hidden charges or lock-ins".

Responding to the announcement, director of consumer watchdog Which? Richard Lloyd commented: "Unreliable broadband speeds drive consumers crazy, so we also welcome the regulator telling providers to give better information on the speeds customers will realistically achieve, and to let people leave their contracts without penalty if they don't get what is promised."

Related Stories

Millions of Britons are living with broadband speeds that do not live up to their expectations.
The ongoing iNorthumberland project is to benefit from an additional influx of funds.
Shropshire residents are to benefit from an extra £5.5 million in funding for enhanced broadband services.
A new pilot scheme will aim to bring superfast broadband to hard-to-reach areas across North Lincolnshire.
Knutsford residents are benefiting from enhanced broadband services.
West Sussex residents are benefiting from the ongoing Better Connected initiative.

Add a comment

Comment
Your name
Your e-mail address

Comments (0)

Home  |  Guides  |  Links  |  Local  |  Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms
Copyright © 2005-2024 Broadbandchoice.co.uk. All rights reserved.