ComReg developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from its experience of consumer queries about handsets.
ComReg then worked with service providers to create a list of answers to those FAQs to assist consumers in understanding costs associated with the type of mobile phone service contract they may have with a service provider.
The FAQs address the costs or restrictions associated with handsets that consumers could encounter, depending on the contract they have in relation to the handset. The FAQs also address handset ownership, unlocking and costs and will greatly improve consumers’ information when purchasing handsets.
The service providers have published the FAQs and answers on their own websites, which can be accessed using the following links:
| Service Provider |
|---|
| An Post Mobile |
| Eir Bill Pay |
| Eir Pre Pay |
| Tesco Mobile |
| Three Ireland |
| Virgin Media |
| Vodafone Bill Pay |
| Vodafone PAYG |
The list of FAQs which the service providers answered are as follows:
| Post Pay |
|---|
| My Contract 1. How and where can I find the terms and conditions of my contract? a. At the time of signing up b. During the lifetime of the contract 2. Where are the charges for the phone and service listed, including the reasons and amounts? |
| Phone 3. Do I own the phone that I entered into the contract for? If not when will I own it? 4. If I exit the contract early (before the end of the minimum term), do I own my phone? 5. If I exit the contract early, will I have owe anything further to own the phone? a. If 18 months early b. If 12 months early c. If 6 months early 6. If I exit the contract early, is an early termination fee owed for the phone and the service? If so how is this calculated for each? |
| Restrictions 7. Are there restrictions on my use of my phone on other networks? 8. How can I unlock my phone so that I can use is on another network? 9. Is there a charge for unlocking my phone, and if so why? 10. Where can I find information on the process and charges for unlocking my phone? 11. Who do I contact to unlock my phone? 12. How long will it take to unlock my phone successfully? |
| Pre Pay |
|---|
| My Contract 1. How and where can I find the terms and conditions of my contract? a. At the time of signing up b. During the lifetime of the contract |
| Phone 2. Do I own the phone that I entered into a contract for? If not when will I own it? |
| Restrictions 3. Are there restrictions on my use of the phone on other networks? 4. How can I unlock my phone so that I can use it on another network? 5. Is there a charge for unlocking my phone, and if so why? 6. Where can I find information on the process and charges for unlocking my phone? 7. Who do I contact to unlock my phone? 8. How long will it take to unlock my phone successfully? |
