Tag: OFCOM
Broadband providers need to be clearer about ‘fibre’, says Ofcom
Ofcom is issuing new guidance to broadband providers to ensure consumers are given clear information about their service when signing up to a new deal. Under the guidance, broadband firms must now tell consumers about the network that underpins their broadband service and must only use terms that are clear and unambiguous. To date, the term…
Ofcom says mid-contract price rises need to be clearer
Mobile and broadband customers must be told upfront about any mobile price rises when signing a new contract, under new consumer protection plans set out today by Ofcom. With most major phone, broadband and pay TV companies now including mid-contract price rises linked to uncertain future inflation, Ofcom is concerned that customers’ contracts do not…
Ofcom report: we’re now spending 56 days a year online!
Ofcom's latest Online Nation research takes a look at how people in the UK are spending their time online. It found that teenagers and children are leading the way in getting to grips with emerging technology like generative artificial intelligence, as well as highlighting a range of other trends. Here we take a look at some…
Ofcom fines Shell Energy £1.4 million for broadband breaches
Ofcom has today fined Shell Energy £1,400,000 for not properly prompting more than 70,000 phone and broadband customers to review their contract, or letting them know what they could save by signing up to a new deal. Ofcom’s investigation found that the company broke important consumer protection rules designed to ensure that customers get a fair deal…
Groups could be allowed to make ‘super-complaint’ under Online Safety Act
Children’s charities, free speech advocates and consumer groups such as Which? could, for the first time, raise online safety and freedom of expression concerns directly to Ofcom through a “super-complaint”. Under the Online Safety Act, social media companies have been given new duties to protect children, enforce the promises they make to users and remove…
2 in 3 Brits feel broadband providers use baffling jargon like FTTP
More than half (54%) of Brits believe that broadband providers are intentionally keeping them in the dark, hiding behind confusing jargon to squeeze more money out of customers. The research revealed three-quarters of people aged 65 and over (73%) are confused by broadband terminology - the highest of all age groups - compared with 56%…
Viewers welcome ‘more enlightened portrayals’ of sex on TV, says Ofcom report
Normal People. Image: BBC Audiences welcome ‘more enlightened’ TV portrayals of sex, including focus on consent and female empowerment Viewers consider graphic, realistic TV violence ups dramatic value Warnings and the watershed still considered important measures to protect children People expect ‘edgier’ content to be shown on subscription streaming services Viewers…
UK’s Online Safety Bill finally becomes law
The Online Safety Act has today (Thursday 26 October) received Royal Assent, placing increased legal duties on social media platforms. The new laws take a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children from online harm, claims the UK Government, while empowering adults with more choices over what their children can see online. The Act places legal responsibility…
WhatsApp is UK’s most popular messaging app as traditional texting declines
While mobile phone calls are still a popular way to keep in touch with friends and family, most adults would rather go without them for a day than forgo their favourite messaging apps, according to new research published by Ofcom. Online communication services like WhatsApp and Snapchat have become increasingly important to our daily lives.…
Vodafone is most complained-about broadband provider, Ofcom report claims
Ofcom has published the latest figures for complaints it has received about the UK's main landline, broadband, mobile and pay-TV services with Vodafone being the most complained about broadband provider for the period. These figures cover the period from April to June 2023, and show that while the volume of complaints remained consistent with the…
