Mobile Phone Reviews
 
 
Ofcom Calls For Try Before You Buy Policy On Mobile Contracts

Wed, 07 Oct 2009

Britain’s mobile phone customers should be offered a 'try before you buy' get-out clause on mobile contracts to ensure they get the coverage they want, according to industry regulator Ofcom .

Ofcom's Communications Consumer Panel said that consumers should be given the chance to test their mobile phone reception and check they are receiving the coverage they need before signing up to a lengthy contract.

Research by the Panel found that more than half of UK consumers have experienced difficulties with mobile reception, particularly with so-called "not spots" – areas where there is no reception at all.

The survey of more than 1,700 adults also discovered that 91 per cent of small businesses have had issues with mobile coverage, with the problem made worse by a lack of accurate coverage information.

Anna Bradley, Chairwoman of the Communications Consumer Panel, said: "While all the focus is on rolling out new services like mobile broadband, our research reveals that large numbers of consumers and small businesses are still having problems making even basic voice calls."

"This kind of basic coverage is hugely important to consumers and essential for small businesses to thrive."

She added: It's essential that consumers aren't trapped into contracts that don't give them the coverage they need."

The UK’s largest mobile network operator, O2, does already offer a 14 day contract cancellation period for customers who are unhappy with their mobile coverage and overall service, but Ofcom is urging the whole industry to follow suit.
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