ConTel Foundation wants compensation from providers for ‘free’ devices

The Consumer & Telecom Sector Foundation believes that mobile providers should compensate customers who have purchased a free telephone with their subscription. According to the foundation, this is not free at all. ConTel therefore starts the ‘AfzetAbbo’ hotline.

The providers thus run the risk of a huge claim that can amount to 800 million euros. This is the estimate of AfzetAbbo spokesperson Don Ceder in conversation with the AD. He further states that the number of victims is certainly around two million customers. The reason for the action is a ruling from the Supreme Court from 2014, which stated that purchasing a free device is actually an installment purchase. As a result, providers should clearly state the price of the device. This is often not clear because the price of the device is included in the subscription costs.

That is also the reason that customers pay too much every month, according to Ceder. The providers would not have adhered to the rules. The foundation now wants to talk to the providers to find a solution. She also wants to demand compensation for victims who register via the hotline. The AfzetAbbo site states that an extrajudicial solution is being sought, although, according to Ceder, going to court cannot be ruled out. It is possible for anyone who has taken out such a subscription to register with the hotline. Thousands of people have already signed up today.

Ceder further states that many young people in particular get into trouble because of the high costs of mobile subscriptions. By continuing to renew it, they would also continue to pay off their device. According to the AD, the providers hope for a covenant from Minister of Finance Jeroen Dijsselbloem, with which they would not have to adhere to the credit rules. According to a spokesperson for Vodafone, providers and the government are in the process of designing a code of conduct. None of the contacted providers was prepared to comment substantive.