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Direct Save Telecom Urges Consumers To Fight Festive Price HikesDec 17, 2012 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Direct Save Telecom (www.directsavetelecom.co.uk), which continues to offer the cheapest phone and broadband package in the UK, warns all telecom customers that some providers could be purposely downplaying the contract escape clause which is triggered by price increases. By not highlighting this key point, telecom companies are placing even more pressure on families who are already struggling with their finances - especially at this time of year. The latest figures released by the government's Annual Family Spending Survey highlights the fact that the majority of UK families are being forced to cut back. As a result of the escalating petrol prices, on top of rising gas and electric, many families are struggling to cope with the poorer income households in particular feeling the pinch. Therefore, the substantial increases the big 4 telcos are introducing could result in even more UK families moving closer to the breadline this Christmas. It has been well documented that over the next couple of months Sky, BT, TalkTalk and Virgin are enforcing a substantial rise in prices. This leaves unsuspecting customers with very little option but to put-up and shut-up, and will leave recession ravaged Britain with even more families closer to the breadline. 'Big 4 vulnerable when prices increase' What these telecom companies are failing to announce clearly enough is the Ofcom rule that every customer tied into a contract has the right to change supplier without penalty if their current provider makes a change to the contract of 'material detriment'. So why are companies putting minimal effort in to highlighting this important fact to unsuspecting customers According to Direct Save Telecom the reason is simple. When prices increase this is the only time the big players in the market feel vulnerable to the smaller providers who continually offer cheaper rates. "When prices increase, notification should be sent out to every customer informing them of the changes and giving them the option to get out of the contract," says Direct Save Telecom CEO, Stavros Tsolakis. "However, I have spoken to many non-Direct Save Telecom customers recently who simply do not know about this rule. "At the very least, many providers are under playing this contract release clause resulting in consumers missing out on the opportunity to reduce an important household bill. In some of the letters which have been sent out, the text informing the customer about the get out clause has been so small that you need a magnifying glass to read it." Tsolakis adds: "Price increases in the telecoms industry are inevitable, as costs increase it is only natural that prices go up. So, like other providers, Direct Save Telecom is occasionally forced to put prices up. However, we keep our increases to a minimum to ensure we keep our position as the most cost-effective provider. "Times are tough and many households feel it even more at this time of the year. Once Christmas is over we traditionally see January and February as the busiest months for switching provider but consumers should consider switching now whilst they have the opportunity to escape their contract." Direct Save's GBP2.49 a month deal continues to be the best value broadband deal in the UK. Direct Save's line rental will continue to be up to 11% cheaper than Sky, BT, TalkTalk and Virgin on a like for like basis, or up to 36% cheaper (GBP66.00 per year) if customers select Direct Save's GBP9.95 12 month advance payment deal. Direct Save's UK Day Calls are up to 45% cheaper and mobile calls up to 65% cheaper. Sky's price hikes will take place from 1st December and will see the price of its line rental increasing from GBP12.25 to GBP14.50 a month, while the cost of daytime calls will go up from 7.95p to 8.41p per minute and its call connection fee will also increase from 13.1p to 13.87p. BT and TalkTalk will increase their prices from January 2013. BT's charges will rise by around 5.8 per cent, while the majority of TalkTalk's packages will increase by at least GBP1. Virgin's prices went up in November 2012; they continue to be the dearest of all providers. Direct Save Telecom (Direct Save) is an independent telephone service provider. Prices and savings quoted as of 1st January 2013 Direct Save Telecom was created in 2003, and was born out of Utilities UK Ltd which was one of the UK's largest energy agencies at that time. Since its creation Direct Save has seen a steady growth built on a reputation for providing both savings and quality. Direct Save is committed to offering customers greater value for money for their telecom needs, combined with excellent customer care. Direct Save offers customers a simple rolling 28 day contract. The Direct Save promise is to cut hundreds of pounds off the average British family's telecom bill. Visit www.directsavetelecom.co.uk ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. |