In January I signed a two-year broadband deal with Vodafone at £58 a month. There was a lot of publicity about in-contract price rises, and so I was reassured by a highlighted red box on the contract summary stating that the monthly cost at the end of my minimum term would be £58 – ie, no price rise for 24 months. The covering email pointed out that the contract summary is “an important document that … will form part of your contract if you choose to buy from us”. Two months later, Vodafone informed me the charge would be £66.35 a month. I complained, but it had started taking the money. I suspect I won’t be the only customer affected, in which case Vodafone could be making millions from breaking its contract terms.
SR, Kibworth, Leicestershire
There is no ambiguity in your contract. A box highlighted in scarlet on the first page blares the promise that you will still be paying £58 a month at the end of two years. The cover letter makes it clear that the terms are binding if you sign. On you, but not on Vodafone, it seems. In response to your complaints, the company blamed an error on the contract and insisted on its right to raise the charges. All it would offer was the chance to exit the agreement early and without the usual termination charge. It instructed you to bin the new hub if you do this.
