February 17, 2020

From 15 February 2020, phone, broadband and pay-TV customers must be warned when their current contract is ending, and what they could save by signing up to a new deal.

Ofcom says that around 20 million customers are already out of contract, and many are paying more than they need to. People can earn big savings on their monthly bills if they take advantage of discounts available when signing a new deal.

Ofcom’s new rules will ensure people can see whether they are on the best deal. Phone, broadband and pay-TV companies will have to warn customers between ten and 40 days before their contract comes to an end. These alerts will be sent by text, email or letter.

Anyone who is already out of contract must also be reminded they are out of contract, and told every year about their firm’s best deals.

Ofcom has also launched a new campaign encouraging people to check whether they are in or out of contract, and helping them secure a better deal. Ofcom says that the new dedicated advice hub walks customers through the quick and easy journey of making sure they are not paying over the odds, helping to earn big savings in just three simple steps. To read Ofcom’s news release in full, click here.