Ofcom clamps down on rogue broadband charges

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 7 Jun 2007 at 10:48

Regulator Ofcom has launched an industry-wide review into additional fees charged by telecoms companies following customer complaints that many of these charges were unfair.

'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,' the telecoms regulator claims.

Consumers have to pay additional charges to providers of home phone, mobile, broadband or pay-TV services for missed or late bill payments and earlier-than-scheduled termination of services.

Service providers also charge consumers extra for not paying bills by direct debit or for having service restored after it has been restricted or suspended following a late payment.

"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," Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards says.