Voluntary code for mobile networks

lapchien_2

I took out an E2save contract in June that is described as 'pricematch'. These have different terms & conditions to their 'normal' deals. Amongst other things, they demand original bills.

I emailed them last week to advise that I want to keep the original bills, would they accept copies - they said no.

mouseclick

Quentin wrote: »

Don't hold your breath over this.

This is a rehash of similar conditions the networks "imposed" last year,even the wording is the same - but we haven't seen any improvements or action taken against the unfair conditions.

An orange dealer posted about it last year, and the other networks issued similar codes:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=330102

Interesting... that was Orange though doing it alone, and I haven't see Orange on any of the 12 months free cashback schemes with the major resellers, so maybe it worked to a certain extent?

This code of conduct though is agreed with OFCOM, and the signatories know they will face complaints and possibly penalties or further legislation if they don't follow their own code.

It is also good when pursuing any litigation or financial redress to be able to how show that you have taken reasonable steps to pursue your complaint through the proper channels (company's own procedure if applicable, Consumer Direct, professional bodies, any codes of conduct etc), and exhausted all other avenues. And if even if the person you are complaining about is not a member of an such organisation, you can compare their behaviour with those widely accepted standards, and this can only strengthen your case.

I quite like this code! :T

Quentin

Yes, that was orange's edict to their dealers which was "leaked" to us in that thread, but the others did it as well.

There is a post mentioning 3 having issued a similar code in that thread.

The wording used in this rehash is in some parts exactly the same as the old code.

It will be great if it is policed, but that's doubtful. (You say the OFT are involved, but no mention of that in the code?)

If even the big players from the carphonewarehouse group are prepared to "chance" it and issue unfair contracts, then the networks are hardly going to cut their own throats by imposing a sanction on the retailers - and so far we've seen no evidence that they have done so. We have though seen the unfair terms get worse since that code was first mentioned.

Lynsey

I was told only last week by TS that the OFT were looking at the T&C's used by these mobile phone companies. They actually think that the terms are unfair, especially the original bill one where all future cashback claim will be void. If it can be implemented, it will be a step forward.

Lynsey

mouseclick

Quentin wrote: »

It will be great if it is policed, but that's doubtful. (You say the OFT are involved, but no mention of that in the code?)

My apologies, you are correct, OFCOM and Trading Standards are mentioned. I will amend my 2 posts and find my glasses. However, I think OFCOM has a similar clout.

nutter998

If you look at the mobile outlet's site, they have withdrawn a lot of the 12 months free phones (the U600 being one) and have a new set of terms and conditions.
The upshot of this will be that we will see less free deals about if these companies want to survive.

Quentin

TMO's new conditions contravene the code of conduct left right and centre.

If they introduced them knowing about the code then this was a cynical response.

mouseclick

Quentin wrote: »

TMO's new conditions contravene the code of conduct left right and centre.

If they introduced them knowing about the code then this was a cynical response.

PBD, CNM and many others are similar. However it looks as if the new code of conduct takes a top down approach, driven by complaints from the main network's subscribers who are supposed to pull their resellers into line. The whole thing is monitored by OFCOM.

Clearly if a volume reseller is applying terms that breach the code, then the networks will get lots of complaints and that will start the ball rolling. But it does depend on people knowing about the code, and taking the trouble to complain to their network provider.



Looking at their press release, it looks as if they really do mean business:

"Ofcom expects to see a significant reduction in the number of mis-selling complaints in the coming weeks as a result of this initiative. If it does not, it will move swiftly to assess more formal regulatory options to protect consumers."

Note: "weeks", not months

thesaint

nutter998 wrote: »

If you look at the mobile outlet's site, they have withdrawn a lot of the 12 months free phones (the U600 being one)<snip>

Oh no they haven't. :j

nutter998

thesaint wrote: »

Oh no they haven't. :j

Oh yes thay have :T

(Is it pantomime season already?)

Sorry thesaint, couldn't resist that!! You are right, thay have now reappeared. Earlier today they weren't showing any U600's on free contracts, how quickly they change their minds . . .