Press releases
21 August 2006
Are You Up To Speed With Your Rights When It Comes To Broadband?
Consumer Direct, the government’s telephone and online consumer advice service, is advising people to know their rights when it comes to signing up for broadband internet services.
Consumer Direct London has received a large number of complaints from consumers who have signed up for broadband and been left waiting months to be connected.
Many consumers have been promised broadband connection by their service provider despite the fact that the service hasn’t been available in their area. Some of those who have then attempted to cancel their contracts have been left waiting even longer for a migration code to enable them to transfer to another service provider.
Amanda Elliott, Contact Centre Manager for Consumer Direct London says: “If you have agreed to have broadband installed, and if you haven’t agreed a specific connection date, then it has to be performed within a reasonable time. If it isn’t then you should be able to terminate the contract”
Consumer Direct London has 5 tips to help remind you of your consumer rights:
- Beware of promotional offers and introductory rates, check the terms & conditions as cheap rates don’t last forever once the promotional or introductory offer ends.
- Don’t assume you have cancellation rights or the right to switch to another supplier; you will need to check the terms and conditions for any charges or penalties.
- Check whether the service provider is a member of a trade association or arbitration service such as CISAS or OTELO. They could help in the event a dispute arises.
- If you do have a problem DO NOT cancel your direct debit, you could be in breach of your contract.
- Finally do your research and look around, make sure you choose the package best suited to you.
For further information and advice on consumer rights and how to gain redress when things go wrong, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
