INDUSTRY NEWS

19 December 2008

Ofcom issues new terms and conditions guide

To protect customers from unfair small print charges, Ofcom has today published guidance for communications providers.

The regulatory body wants to ensure consumers are not exploited by charges that are often hidden, as well as giving them the benefits of competition.

Both a consumer guide and one for the providers have been issued and companies have until the beginning of April to make any necessary changes to their terms and conditions.

The guidance suggests that any extra charges a provider demands are set out in a "prominent and transparent" way so that they are clear to customers.

Ofcom states: "Where these extra charges are prominent and transparent enough, normal competition – and not regulation – can be the principal mechanism through which consumer interests are met."

In related news, Ofcom recently issued a warning to internet service provider Pipex following complaints about authorisation codes.<br/>

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