Many consumers are caught off guard when their phone plan rates increase annually without their explicit consent. Despite feeling wronged, most people hesitate to switch providers, believing that no viable options to challenge the hike exist. It’s true that telecom companies are allowed to adjust their pricing and services, but customers are not entirely powerless. What many don’t know is that if the phone company hasn’t informed them in advance about these changes, they can cancel their contract without facing any penalties, thus avoiding the price increase.
The law is clear on this matter: according to article L224-33 of the Consumer Code, “any project to modify contractual conditions must be notified by the electronic communications service provider to the consumer in a clear and understandable manner on a durable medium at least one month before it takes effect.” The notification must be sent either by mail or email. The law also states that “the same project must inform the consumer that if they do not accept the new conditions, they may terminate the contract without any fees and without any right to compensation within four months following the notification of the modification project.”
Essentially, it is crucial that the customer is informed of any changes to the conditions in their contract at least a month before they are applied. If they do not agree to the new terms, they can exercise their right to terminate the agreement without any cost up to four months after the change has been implemented. To do this, they need to formally challenge the modification with their operator, suggests legal and financial expert Masdak in his upcoming book “Ending the Scams” (Solar Daily Editions), which is set to be published on January 16, 2025.
“If you receive an unsatisfactory response, you can contact the electronic communications mediator” through the website mediation-telecom.org, the specialist explains. During this process, it’s also vital to keep solid evidence in case of a dispute, including any correspondence with the telecom provider. By asserting your rights, you will successfully maintain your original plan rates!
