Mobile operators accused of abusing customers

NEWS European consumers' organisation BEUC (le Bureau Europeen des Unions de Consommateurs) has heavily criticised mobile phone operators claiming they are abusing customers by imposing excessive price policies and unfair contracts. The organisation is urging the EU to take steps to open up the mobile phone market. A BEUC spokesman said: "The European Commission has a tendency to believe the mobile phone market is more competitive than it actually is. They do not do enough because they draw a line between fixed and mobile whereas we think the consumers should be protected as much in the mobile markets as in fixed." The Brussels-based organisation has accused operators of a catalogue of abuse including an excessive pricing structure, and deliberately withholding information and so making it impossible for users to make an informed decision about contracts. The BEUC claimed it was the commission's duty to closely monitor the activities of mobile operators and regulate contracts. The organisation also warned that WAP could be misused to limit choice and access to the Internet unless the EU takes action to open mobile markets. However, Gary Cooper research manager at Butler Group, said: "Anything that brings down the price of mobile phones is good news but I'm not sure if this will effect take-up of WAP. Of course the reduction in prices will generate sales, but mobiles is an expensive business. The market is moving at such a pace that the upkeep of the technology is ever more costly. For mobile operators there has to be a level below which it's price adversely affects R&D efforts - then it's not worth reducing the price of calls."