Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/01/12/ofcom_sides_with_orange_in_price_hike_controversy/
Ofcom sides with Orange over price hikes
Operator action will not be probed
Posted in Networks, 12th January 2012 10:48 GMT
Ofcom has ruled that it will not investigate Orange's controversial 2011 price-hike as the carrier's move is unlikely to have breached legislation.
The industry regulator had contemplated action after Orange's sudden changes to pay-monthly contracts left customers fuming.
An Orange spokesperson told Reg Hardware at the time of the price rises: "The increase in the price plan charges is less than the 5.4 per cent rate of inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI) in October 2011."
Ofocm rules allow prices to be raised by up to the RPI figure in any 12-month period without repercussions.
Unfortunately for those feeling short-changed, Ofcom agrees with the operator and sees no reason to take action, Mobile Today reports.
"Having assessed the complaints against the relevant consumer legislation, Ofcom has decided on the evidence available not to proceed with an investigation at this time as this price rise is not likely to be a breach of current legislation," said a company spokeswoman.
There is one option left to pursue, should you be reluctant to step aside.
If a customer feels they have suffered "material detriment" as a result of the price-hike, they can contact Orange and argue their case. This would need evidence, though, and the guidelines for what constitutes as such are foggy, to say the least. Good luck. ®