Changes to European telecoms law – benefits for UK consumers
Ofcom has confirmed a number of changes to its regulations that will benefit consumers, as a result of new European telecoms law.
The changes include shorter phone and broadband tie-in periods, compensation for delayed number switching and improved access for disabled consumers to emergency services.
These changes were active from the 26th May 2011 and include:
- New phone or broadband contracts will be limited to a maximum of 24 months and providers are to ensure that 12 month contracts are available.
- Mobile providers will be obliged to make the Emergency SMS scheme available on a permanent basis for hearing and speech-impaired consumers.
- The new regulations require mobile providers to port customers’ mobile phone numbers to a new provider within one working day.
