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Why some cell phone contracts have a duration of 3 years

You did not misread the information if you are viewing a cell phone contract that has a duration of 3 years. You may be used to seeing ones that are 1 or 2 years old. In fact, there is a prohibition that these contracts have a duration of 3 years at this time. New UK laws require contracts of this duration to be shortened to 12 months. This is because they feel that it is illegal to force the person to fulfill a contract of that length.

According to the government, 3-year cell phone contracts really catch up with the consumer. However, they were offered with attractive features, such as a lower monthly fee, better quality of phones, and even free benefits like 1 year of Internet or GPS on the phones at no charge. However, every time a customer wanted to change their plan or upgrade their phone, the 3 years would start over.

This upset several consumers who really went out of their way to seize the opportunity for a new phone. The wave of complaints began with the introduction of smartphones. Customers definitely wanted these phones, but not another 3-year contract. If they were being difficult for the provider, some found that they had been beaten. This is the process where the supplier changes them to another supplier without the consent of the customer.

This is just one more way for consumers to realize they have a voice. By making it known that they didn’t like 3-year contracts, they got the government to take notice. From there, they were able to implement better laws on this type of contract. Of course, the cell phone companies that used to provide these long contracts are not happy. However, in the end it is the consumer who keeps them in business, so the bottom line is that they need to be happy.

If you are currently involved with a 3-year cell phone contract, you should contact that provider and ask them to fix it. If not, you should contact Ofcom, which is the communications regulator in the UK. Customers also have the right to be transferred to another provider if they so wish. This must be done within one business day. If the current provider does not comply, then they are breaking the law.

It is also a good idea to inform any provider trying to commit to a 3 year UK phone contract. Legally, they can no longer do that. Such reports will be handled immediately and the provider will be fined and could face other charges. Consumers can take a break now as they will have more freedom over their cell phone contracts. At least in terms of how much time they are going to spend with that provider.

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