Money back automatically for broadband and landline faults, Ofcom confirms
Broadband and landline customers will now get money back from their providers when things go wrong without having to ask, regulator Ofcom has confirmed.
Only around one in seven broadband or landline customers who suffer delayed repairs, installations or missed engineer appointments have received compensation from their provider, and even then, only in small amounts, Ofcom said.
The media watchdog has intervened and the largest broadband and landline providers have agreed to compensate customers when they experience these delays.
Ofcom chief executive Sharon White said: “We think it’s unacceptable that people should be kept waiting for a new line, or a fault to be fixed.
“These new protections mean phone and broadband firms will want to avoid problems occurring in the first place. But if they fall short, customers must be treated fairly and given money back, without having to ask for it.”
Ofcom chief executive Sharon White
BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Zen Internet had already signed up to the scheme, Ofcom said, adding that Hyperoptic and Vodafone have also agreed to the new terms, and will start paying compensation automatically later this year.
The firms that have committed to the compensation system account for more than 95% of broadband and landline customers in the UK.
As well as consumers, it will benefit the many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who choose residential landline and broadband services.
Says Alex Tofts, Broadband Expert at Broadband Genie:
“Delayed repairs and missed appointment are frustrating, and are especially inconvenient if you rely on broadband for work. But the risk of a financial penalty should encourage providers to step up and quickly solve problems rather than letting them drag out – it’s great news for broadband and landline customers.
“Hopefully all providers that have signed up to the scheme will stick to their promise and Ofcom will keep a close eye on the scheme in these early stages.”
