The telecoms regulator is peeking into BT because there are trepidations that it disregarded the law when customers signed new mobile and broadband contracts.
Ofcom is studying the telecoms company to see if it failed to deliver customers the “clear and basic” contract information that it was supposed to.
It claimed evidence of regulations violations by two BT companies, EE and Plusnet.
BT declared that it was “fully involved” in Ofcom’s inquiry.
Before consumers join, telecom providers are expected to offer them contact information and a brief, generally one-page, overview of the key contract terms.
Since June of last year, this regulation has been in effect. The modification was made to help individuals prevent being caught off guard by unexpected price increases at a time when household finances are already severely stretched.
Key details must be included in the summary. It covers details like the contract’s length, price, broadband speed, and the terms and conditions if a consumer chooses to break their contract early.
Customers that need the materials in an accessible format can also request them.
According to Ofcom, regulations are an important tool in enabling consumers to compare prices and confidently make the best decision for their needs.
The regulatory body claimed to have “reasons to suspect” that BT subsidiary Plusnet may not have “complied with these requirements.”
As a result of allegations that it had also infringed the law, the regulator started an investigation into EE, a member of the BT group, in October.
Accordingly, Ofcom stated: “As a result, given the potential violations by each of these subsidiaries, our investigation will now evaluate whether BT has violated Ofcom’s rules. As our inquiry goes further, we will acquire more data and give updates. We want our consumers to be fully informed, and we make sales information upfront, clear, and transparent,” the BT representative stated.
