Fixed Means Fixed Ofcom consultation

In a win for our Fixed Means Fixed campaign and its supporters, between January and March 2013 Ofcom consulted on how to protect consumers from unexpected price rises on fixed mobile, landline and broadband contracts. Although Ofcom's consultation has closed, you can still help with our campaign.

Ofcom's solution – watch our video

Ofcom thinks the current rules are leaving consumers exposed to harm through mid-contract price hikes. It has proposed four possible solutions - watch our video to find out more: 

Ofcom's solution – vote in our poll

Which of Ofcom's four options do you prefer? Tell Ofcom what you think by voting in our poll:

Can't see this panel? Cast your vote here.

What Which? wants

We think you should be allowed to exit without penalty if prices go up mid-contract. Fixed should mean fixed, and tens of thousands of you agree with us. After price hikes from EE (Orange and T-Mobile), O2, Vodafone and Three Mobile, we want to see power put back in your hands.

  • Although we want providers to be transparent about the possibility of price rises, we don't think that's enough.
  • The price and all other features of a contract (minutes, data etc) should stay fixed from the day it's agreed until the end of that agreement.
  • If providers don't want to keep their end of the bargain and prices do change, you should be able to legally leave without having to pay an exit penalty.
  • This right should also be made very clear before you sign up.

We hope Ofcom will modify its rules so that consumers can switch their provider freely and take advantage of the best deals on the market. See our response to Ofcom's consultation in full:

What more can I do?

Responses made to Ofcom's consultation formed an important part of our response. Although the consultation has closed, you can still help us apply pressure by:

1. Telling us what you think on Which? Conversation.
2. Pledging your support for our Fixed Means Fixed campaign.

The Deadline: Ofcom's consultation closed on 14 March 2013. The regulator will publish its statement in June 2013.

Which? works for you