Over the last few months i have been watching several forums on networks as to the charges applied to mobile users be it on their mobile phone or broadband,this mostly relates to data so the list is not exhaustive as to other cases these rights can help consumers.Yes we can of course monitor our usage,either via your device,and app or the network’s website.But again we should be notified by our network when we approach our limits,this apparently does not always happen.The problem also relates to charges not being explained on a sale should you go over your cap.
Another thing is dashboards on mobile modems how do you access this info and control costs and monitor,everyone is not tech savvy and there is some sympathy allowed for those especially the older generation who are now delving into the internet,they just buy a modem get a contract and sign up and leave the shop.In that process do we see charges and how to use the product explained to the customer ?? You observe this next time you are in a store and tell us below..This applies to both mobile and broadband including fixed.
To avoid a “SHOCK BILL” ask the store to explain in detail everything before they try sell you something else.We are now consuming data more than ever and we need to understand what our limits are.When we go over our data caps here in Ireland we are literally SHAFTED make no mistake about it.
Examples to think of.Netflix Standard definition up to 0.7GB per hour,HD 1.8GB per hour,You tube is popular,again the bitrate varies, watching a 4.5 Mbps 1080p HD movie for 10 minutes equates to 34MB.
The Unfair Terms in consumer contracts has been updated and this may help you should you have an issue later on in your contract.
Consumers have legislative protection from unfair terms in consumer contracts. An unfair term in a standard consumer contract is a term that is significantly weighted against the consumer. In other words, the contract contains a statement that puts the consumer at a disadvantage. A supplier of goods or services can have an advantage over the consumer by including such an unfair term in a contract.
Oral contracts ARE enforceable.
Contracts may be written or oral. It is easier to know precisely what the terms are in a written contract but an oral contract is also enforceable in law. Consumer contracts may differ and there are no hard and fast rules governing what terms should be in a consumer contract.
What is meant by an unfair term?
- Terms that give the supplier of goods or services the right to change the terms of the contract.
- Terms that limit the liability of the supplier of goods and services: for example no liability for death or personal injury arising out of an act or an omission by the supplier of goods or services.
- Terms that put an unfair burden on the consumer: for example a contract with a term stating that a deposit will be kept by the supplier of goods or services if the consumer cancels the contract but does not include a term saying that the supplier of goods or services will pay compensation if it does not fulfil its commitments.
In the case of written contracts, all terms must be written in plain, understandable language. If there is a doubt about the meaning of a term, the meaning that is most favourable to the consumer will prevail. If a term in the contract is found to be unfair, the remainder of the contract may still be legally binding on the consumer and the supplier of goods or services. This means that while one term or condition of the contract may be illegal, the remainder of the contract remains in force.
Read more at Citizens Information
Header image credit. WhichUK.