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scrotnig · 28-04-2006, 19:57

Telecoms companies are forever looking for new ways to con people and rip people off. The entire market needs a *serious* shake up, but OFCOM are in their pocket and wouldn't say boo to a goose. A totally ineffective regulator, beaten for ineffectiveness only by the energy regulator.

My proposals, just from the top of my head:

0870 and 0845 to be just like 01XXX and 02XXX numbers, and included in those call plans like Option 2 and Option 3.

Premium rate numbers (09XXX) to be BLOCKED BY DEFAULT on ALL phone lines unless instructed otherwise by the account holder. Failure to do this is sanctioning the blatant profiteering from scams.

"Hidden" charges like connection fees etc outlawed. The price you see should be the price you pay.

Transfer of supplier procedures tightened up. There is still a *massive* amount of mis-selling, and the regulator doesn't seem to care one jot.

An end to constant pestering of customers to change supplier by telephone and on the doorstep. Or at the very least, a change to the procedure so that rather than instigating the transfer over the phone, paperwork should be sent which the customer must sign and return to start the transfer.

The above is just for starters and would help remove the stench of corruption from the industry.

28-04-2006, 19:57	#4
scrotnig Inactive Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,499	Re: Ofcom is killing off 0870 Scams Telecoms companies are forever looking for new ways to con people and rip people off. The entire market needs a serious shake up, but OFCOM are in their pocket and wouldn't say boo to a goose. A totally ineffective regulator, beaten for ineffectiveness only by the energy regulator. My proposals, just from the top of my head: 0870 and 0845 to be just like 01XXX and 02XXX numbers, and included in those call plans like Option 2 and Option 3. Premium rate numbers (09XXX) to be BLOCKED BY DEFAULT on ALL phone lines unless instructed otherwise by the account holder. Failure to do this is sanctioning the blatant profiteering from scams. "Hidden" charges like connection fees etc outlawed. The price you see should be the price you pay. Transfer of supplier procedures tightened up. There is still a massive amount of mis-selling, and the regulator doesn't seem to care one jot. An end to constant pestering of customers to change supplier by telephone and on the doorstep. Or at the very least, a change to the procedure so that rather than instigating the transfer over the phone, paperwork should be sent which the customer must sign and return to start the transfer. The above is just for starters and would help remove the stench of corruption from the industry.