New guidelines for changing phone providers

Ruu_Old

from rte.ie/business, worth a read chums if ye haven't seen it elsewhere. Apologies if posted somewhere else.

The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs has published new guidelines for consumers who want to change their phone service provider. The guidelines lay out the consumer's rights when making a contract and the regulations governing so-called distance and doorstep selling.

'Many consumers don't realise that there are regulations governing distance and doorstep selling and that they have a period of time to cancel a contract. However, on the other side, many consumers are not aware that a contract made over the phone can be binding,' said Ann Fitzgerald, Chair of the National Consumer Agency and Director of Consumer Affairs.

'By making themselves aware of their rights and the regulations around entering contracts, we hope that consumers will be comfortable switching telecoms providers. Empowered consumers greatly foster and encourage competition,' she added.

The ODCA says that before making a contract, consumers should find out as much as they can about the service providers and the various packages on offer. Terms and conditions should be read carefully and checked to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation.

It also advises that consumers do not have to sign a piece of paper to make a contract, a recorded conversation on the phone or completing forms on the internet are considered as binding as a signed paper contract.