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Is it possible to Alter the terms on Mobile Phone Contracts?

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  • 05-04-2013 5:41pm
    #1
    Blisterman
    Registered Users Posts: 7,457 ✭✭✭


    For the second time in less than 2 years, my supposedly "fixed" T Mobile tariff which I'm locked into has increased in price.

    How they're getting away with this is by utilising a hidden clause in the contract I signed, which states that they can increase prices in line with the Retail Price Index. Which fair enough, I did agree to.

    Anyway my contract is due for renewal soon, and I won't be using T Mobile again. But from doing research, they're all at it, so I need to ensure that this clause isn't in the contract.

    Has anyone managed to negotiate to remove clauses in a mobile contract when taking it out?


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    #2
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users Posts: 7,674 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    Blisterman wrote: »
    For the second time in less than 2 years, my supposedly "fixed" T Mobile tariff which I'm locked into has increased in price.

    How they're getting away with this is by utilising a hidden clause in the contract I signed, which states that they can increase prices in line with the Retail Price Index. Which fair enough, I did agree to.

    Anyway my contract is due for renewal soon, and I won't be using T Mobile again. But from doing research, they're all at it, so I need to ensure that this clause isn't in the contract.

    Has anyone managed to negotiate to remove clauses in a mobile contract when taking it out?

    In Ireland you have 30 days from notice of a price change to cancel a contract, no matter what the remaining term is. This (I think) is EU law, so should apply in UK as well. You might be better asking in a UK based forum.


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    #3
    foggy_lad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭foggy_lad


    GerardKeating wrote: »
    In Ireland you have 30 days from notice of a price change to cancel a contract, no matter what the remaining term is. This (I think) is EU law, so should apply in UK as well. You might be better asking in a UK based forum.

    It is generally known as Regulation 17. It guarantees customers 30 days from publication of the notification in which to cancel their contract in the event of any change in that contract. This includes ALL price plan/tariff increases or reduction in inclusive minutes.


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    #4
    Rascasse
    Registered Users Posts: 1,670 ✭✭✭Rascasse


    Only the other day I read on the Telegraph website that the UK networks can, and do, change prices and conditions mid term without allowing you to break the contract. There's been a campaign by consumers leading to Ofcom to make a final decision in July. As it stands you're stuck with the network.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/9969277/Networks-battle-right-to-break-long-smartphone-contracts.html


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    #5
    foggy_lad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭foggy_lad


    Rascasse wrote: »
    Only the other day I read on the Telegraph website that the UK networks can, and do, change prices and conditions mid term without allowing you to break the contract. There's been a campaign by consumers leading to Ofcom to make a final decision in July. As it stands you're stuck with the network.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/9969277/Networks-battle-right-to-break-long-smartphone-contracts.html

    Luckily here in Ireland when any change to the terms of your contract is made - even if that change benefits you - you may opt to not accept the change as per regulation 17, and you must then be allowed out of the contract.


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    #6
    Mimikyu
    Registered Users Posts: 18,919 ✭✭✭✭Mimikyu


    This post has been deleted.


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    #7
    goz83
    Registered Users Posts: 8,034 ✭✭✭goz83


    Captain Morgan wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.

    Indeed, they can change it, but you don't need to accept it. They probably get away with it in the UK, but not here.


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    #8
    RangeR
    Registered Users Posts: 7,265 ✭✭✭RangeR


    Don't sign a contract. Go PAYG or a rolling 30 day contract. You jhust need to fork out for a netfree phone. Gives you the freedom to hop carrier as and when you feel like it.


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    #9
    ABajaninCork
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    I had a T-Mobile contract when I was home. I'm pretty sure that they CAN change the tariff price during the life of the contract. This is a standard clause.

    But they also have to give you at least 14 days written notice under the Direct Debit guarantee. Did you get that notice, OP? If not you can get the money refunded from your bank. But I don't believe you can break your contract if it's still in life.


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    #10
    RangeR
    Registered Users Posts: 7,265 ✭✭✭RangeR


    ABajaninCork wrote: »
    But they also have to give you at least 14 days written notice under the Direct Debit guarantee. Did you get that notice, OP? If not you can get the money refunded from your bank. But I don't believe you can break your contract if it's still in life.

    You can get the money refunded but that doesn't absolve you of the debt. You still need to pay the bill some way.


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    #11
    foggy_lad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭foggy_lad


    http://www.comreg.ie/consumer_initiatives/consumer_contracts.492.563.html

    The comreg take on contracts with mobile/telecoms providers.


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