The UK’s communications ombudsman has recently stated that he wants mobile phone companies to provide greater clarity to customers to help them avoid bill shock.
Every year, there are many mobile phone customers who receive unexpectedly large bills for their mobile phone usage, usually relating to their data usage. With more and more people now having smart phones that enable them to get online with ease whilst on the move, more people are at risk of exceeding their data and being charged a fortune as a result.
The main issue is stemming from the fact that some people are opting for so called unlimited data plans when signing up to a mobile phone contract, believing that this means that they can download and surf to their heart’s content without any comeback. However, many fail to realize that there are still limits in place and that exceeding these limits could prove extremely costly.
The communications ombudsman has said that whilst mobile phone companies are not doing anything wrong when selling unlimited data contracts, it would be helpful if they were clearer with customers who were opting for unlimited data plans. Chief Ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith said that more and more people are doing things like downloading content and watching videos on their phones, which increased the data usage. He said: “Most mobile operators are playing by the rules, so that then begs the question, are the rules what they ought to be?”
He added that there are three steps that mobile companies should take, stating: “First of all, be very clear about what they mean by unlimited in the advertisements. Secondly, give advice to consumers so they know when they’re reaching their limit. And thirdly, give advice on the amount of data that’s being downloading.”
Related posts: