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Money Refunds.org.uk
FREE Practical Advice and Tips on how to get money back, replacements, credits, compensation and more for poor service and shoddy goods across the UK
Communications
The UK market is highly competitive with dozens of providers chasing customers both business and personal for a wide range of communication services.
In the main consumers should continue to make themselves aware of the alternatives to their current providers and consider switching over to better value deals. Many services are only available in certain areas or have restrictions making such services unavailable to certain market sections. e.g. cable based service are not normally found in villages or rural situations.
Due to the competitive nature of services many "hard sell" tactics inc telephone and door to door canvassing are rampant, and many consumers are misled into believing they will make major savings, a claim which is later proved wrong but hard to prove. OR savings are evident during a short term "offer" period only to return to similar or worse rates than before.
Savings are clearly likely to be greater for business and big family users where annual savings could be substantial, and more importantly savings likely to be easily identified, by lower bills in a short space of time.
Switching provider to find claimed savings are unrealistic, or worst turn out more expensive than the former (current) provider lead to the chance to switch back and seek a refund for overcharging. Documents in support of a claim showing previous and new billing are critical in making and proving a claim.
This page covers the
various services of telephone, internet, tv and related services and
providers, please feel free to send us more ideas, leads and information
to add to these pages - mailto:comms@moneyrefunds.org.uk
Useful web sites
http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem/index.jspOfgem is the regulator for Britain's gas and electricity industries. Its role is to promote choice and value for all customers.
http://www.energywatch.org.uk/
bEnergywatch is the independent gas and
electricity consumer watchdog. We are here to help you with whatever
consumer issue you have regarding the gas and electricity industry.
We can help you if you need information and advice about gas and
electricity at home or in your business. We can help you if you have a
complaint about an energy company. We also campaign to help you get value
for money and a better standard of service from energy
companies.
http://www.acsp.org.uk/ The Association of Communication Services Providers-ACSP has been launched to take forward and promote the value of communication services providers in delivering competition to the communications market
Directory Enquires
http://www.reversedirectory.co.uk/ Search For Any One In The UK By Many Methods
Oftel - http://www.oftel.gov.uk/consumer/for/dqs/index.htm all
about the new directory enquiry services
Drops - http://www.drops.org.uk/ critical
personal review about directory enquires
Internet services http://www.ispa.org.uk The Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA
UK) is the UK's Trade Association for providers of Internet services.
Telephone service market trends
Mobile Market http://www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/research
Television services
Cheapest digital TV http://www.cheapest-digital-tv.co.uk/ compared options and coverage
The biggest message here is for users to check their bills against errors or overcharging, most billing is nowadays itemized as a normal, on request or for a small fee, and it's useful to check for
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Errors by the supplier
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Misuse by other family members or friends
There are 3 types of communication methods in the UK
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Fixed line phone providers - all locations, BT being the principal provider http://www.bt.com/
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Cable providers - main town and cities with no rural coverage for obvious reasons. Highly competitive rates and usually inc televisions as part as an overall package
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Mobile telephones - wide range of services (see below) and potentially a major area to run-up expensive bills by the use of not only the calls themselves but add on services such as games, video etc.
The most useful source of unbiased information on options is OFTEL http://www.oftel.gov.uk/consumer/index.htm Please let us know of useful sites by email to mailto:telecom@moneyrefunds.org.uk
Useful web sites Communications - Telephone - Service Providers.
1st4phonecards Global supplier of prepaid phone cards / calling cards. Huge range. The site includes a search facility to find the best rate for any call. Order by phone or online 365 days/year. Website: http://www.1st4phonecards.com
Channel 11 (UK) Ltd Channel 11 supply a range of satellite based communication services and equipment. They have over 10 years experience in satellite services focused on end user requirements. They are a small UK based company with global partners. Email: chan11uk@Aol.com Tel: 01903 215003
Dial-Abroad.org Dial-Abroad is a US based site that helps students, missionaries and other expatriates living abroad compare international long distance options side-by-side. Each section has suggestions and recommendations to help you find the best way to stay in touch with the people at home. Website: http://www.dial-abroad.org
Globalstar This is a global mobile phone system that utilises satellites and a handset only slightly larger than an ordinary mobile phone. This means that you can use this phone even when out of range of local land based mobile networks. Current coverage is limited to Eastern and Western Europe but plans to expand the network to roughly 120 countries are in the pipeline. These phones are distributed in the UK by Vodaphone (see their site for costs). Website:
http://www.globalstar.com (Globalstar)Website:
http://fmp.magic-moments.com/vodroa/global/index.html (Vodaphone)O2 (previously BT Cellnet) This UK mobile telephone company has international roaming available in other countries so you can use your UK bought mobile phone in certain areas. See website for coverage. Website:
http://www.o2.co.ukOne.Tel OneTel now have a mobile phone service which includes the possibility for international roaming. Website:
http://www.onetel.co.ukOrange This UK mobile telephone company has international roaming available in other countries so you can use your UK bought mobile phone in certain areas. See website for coverage. Website:
http://www.orange.co.ukPhonecard Services After setting up an account, this service allows you to dial the UK from other countries using a local freephone access number. Calls are charged per minute to your account. Website:
http://www.phonecard-services.co.ukT-Mobile (previously One2one) This UK mobile telephone company has international roaming available in other countries so you can use your UK bought mobile phone in certain areas. See website for coverage. Website:
http://www.t-mobile.co.ukUnited World Telecom As a callback service, UWT offers some of the best rates on telephone calls from anywhere in the world. Website:
http://www.phone-access.com/uwtVirgin Mobile This UK mobile telephone company has international roaming available in other countries so you can use your UK bought mobile phone in certain areas. See website for coverage.
http://www.virginmobile.com/mobile/xtras/additional.html#roamingVodaphone
http://www.vodafone.co.uk This UK mobile telephone company has international roaming available in other countries so you can use your UK bought mobile phone in certain areas. See website for coverage. http://www.vodafone-roaming.co.ukIf you fail to find an answer to your query here, click>"How do I?"
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