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UK: Ofcom eases price-hike pain

By  |  January 23, 2014

The UK’s telecommunications regulator Ofcom announced a new policy Thursday that takes aim at unexpected price-hikes faced by consumers stuck in a contract.

The policy, which will apply for wireless, landline or broadband services, rules that consumers can switch providers without penalty if a company unexpectedly boosts its costs. Further, companies will be required to warn customers one month before a price hike, during which the customer can choose whether it would like to continue with that provider’s service or switch to a competitor.

Existing contracts, however, are not covered by the new guidelines.

The policy is expected to boost competition between rivals in allowing consumers to more easily switch between providers.

Full Content: The Inquirer

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