EU price cap for international calls comes into force
The European Commission has introduced a new maximum price for international calls in all EU member states. The price cap took effect from 15 May 2019. It is the first rule to come into force under a EU-wide overhaul of telecoms rules, the aim of which is to improve co-ordination of electronic communications and grow the role of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC). Eventually, the maximum price for international calls will apply to Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein too. However, the exact date is yet to be decided.
Ofcom issues statement on end-of-contract notifications and annual best tariff information
Ofcom has issued a statement on new requirements it is imposing on providers to send important information to their customers when their contracts are coming to an end and on a regular basis after that. The new requirements will mean broadband, mobile, home phone and pay TV companies must notify their residential and business customers when their minimum contract period is coming to an end. These notifications will tell residential customers about the best tariffs available from their providers. Business customers will be given best tariff information in a form that is suitable for them. All customers who remain out-of-contract will also be given best tariff information by their provider at least annually. The changes will involve providers sending personalised and tailored information to millions of individual customers. Companies will have nine months to make the necessary changes to their systems and processes. Customers will start receiving the notifications from 15 February 2020.
European Commission consults on standard chargers for mobile phones
The European Commission is consulting on the adoption of standards for the interoperability between chargers and mobile phones. It follows its proposals in December 2018 to limit fragmentation of available charging solutions. At the same time it does not wish to adversely affect future technological innovation. The consultation is aimed at all stakeholder groups, including consumers and consumers’ associations, manufacturers of mobile phones and phone chargers, importers and distributors, standardisation organisations and member state authorities. The Commission wishes to assess the possible policy options. The consultation ends on 6 August 2019.
