Ofcom to monitor price comparison websites
The UK's communications regulator Ofcom has announced that is will be monitoring price comparison sites that enable consumers to try and find the cheapest broadband and phone providers. A number of price comparison websites are now available, and these enable consumers to provide their details and then brings up the cheapest deals based on the information provided. However, until now consumers have had to take it as red that the deals that are being brought to their attention are in fact the cheapest ones for them.
However, now that Ofcom is stepping in these price comparison websites will be properly monitored so that consumers can be confident that they are receiving accurate information on the cheapest phone and broadband deals for their needs. Ofcom wants to ensure that the service that is being offered and provided by these price comparison websites is fair and clear, so that consumers can be confident that they are receiving accurate data and can therefore make an informed choice with regards to the broadband and telephone provide that they choose.
Ofcom will be accrediting these price comparison websites, as well as getting involved with price comparisons on company sites such as BT. As part of its regulations Ofcom has stated that these comparison sites must bring bundle packages into the equation when comparing broadband, phones, and television prices, as often this could work out to be the cheapest option for consumers that want all of these services.
One price comparison website official stated: 'We welcome Ofcom's decision to launch a price comparison accreditation scheme. Domestic telecoms is a crowded market and consumers are bewildered when it comes to their phone, broadband and digital TV services. The onslaught of bundled deals has further escalated consumer confusion, and price comparison sites have a big role to play in helping consumers to make an educated decision.'
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