2007
Consumer Direct Wales is urging consumers across the country to be alert when shopping for the latest mobile phone. It can be confusing with all the different deals that are on offer and can be easy to make the wrong decision when shopping under pressure.
15 February 2007
The number of households which own a mobile phone has increased from 27% in 1998-1999 to 79% in 2005-2006. Last year, mobile phones (service agreements) were the second most complained about goods or service in Wales, with 1704 calls received about them.
Craig Woolcock, Centre Manager at Consumer Direct Wales said:
'Its easy to become confused with all the different types of phones and contracts on offer so please take time to read the terms and conditions of your service agreement properly before you commit yourself as once a contract has been signed it’s legally binding and you’re committed to using the network for the outlined period.'
To make sure you don’t get caught up in any mobile mayhem, Consumer Direct Wales offers the following top tips:
• Shop around – Before you buy, decide how much you afford. Include the cost of any additional payments such as insurance.
• Check the range of coverage with the Network Service Provider in your area.
• Read terms and conditions carefully before signing the contract as once it has been signed, it’s legally binding and you’re committed to using the network for the outlined period, at a certain tariff.
• You can not opt out of a contract - you have no rights should you simply change your mind.
• Make sure you know what is included in your price plan.
• Do not feel under pressure to sign the service agreement there and then.
• Once you’ve signed the contract and have the handset you must look after the phone in line with the instructions.
• If you have a problem with the network or SIM card contact the Network Service Provider. Check with the shop where you bought the phone if there is a problem with the handset.
• Don’t forget that once you’ve chosen your deal and signed up to a contract, you still have consumer rights.
For clear practical consumer advice, call Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05.
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Notes for Editors
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with local authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
6. Northern Ireland has its own service called ConsumerLine which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
7. The number of households which own a mobile phone has increased from 27% in 1998-1999 to 79% in 2005-2006. Statistics taken from National Statistics Online.
MEDIA enquiries:
Jody Keogh. Tel 029 2087 1088 or email JKeogh@cardiff.gov.uk
