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Contract disputes

How to handle problems with telephone subscriptions?

When you obtain a telephone subscription, a subscription contract is made between you and the telecom operator. This contract determines e.g. the delivery time and the quality of the service. The contract creates a basis for solving eventual problems and disputes with your telephone operator.

A subscription contract determines the telephone service you have bought, and the rights and obligations of the contract parties. The set of contracts concerning the service typically consists of a contract form to be signed and standards conditions of the telecom operator's consumer services.

The written contract with the telecom operator must always include

  • the quality and characteristics of the provided services;
  • the delivery time of the service, e.g. a subscription.

The assessment of the compensation right is made on the basis of the information entered into the contract in case the delivery is late or there are faults or disturbance in the service.

Delay in telephone subscription delivery

If the telecom operator is responsible for the delay in the delivery time of your subscription, you may make a claim for compensation to the telecom operator. Notify of the delay of your subscription as soon as possible.

You do not have to pay for the telecom operator's services until the connection is at your disposal. Once the service has been connected, pay the bill except for the share that is needed for the collateral of the compensation based on the delay.

You may be entitled to at least 15 euros for each week of delay. However, the maximum compensation is no more than 120 euros.

If you have suffered damage that is worth more than the standard compensation, you may also be entitled to compensation for damage. An obvious and essential breach of contract entitles to immediate termination of the contract.

There will be no compensation if the telecom operator can prove that the delay is due to force majeure.

Error in telephone services and service disruptions

You are entitled to compensation from the telecom operator, if the telephone service's quality does not correspond to

  • service conditions;
  • information provided at the time the service was sold.

Notify the telecom operator of any faults or problems in the service.

The service error to be compensated may, for example, be a long service disruption, which is not caused by the exceptions referred to in the contract, such as network and other maintenance work.

Customers have the right to demand the telecom operator to correct any problems and faults in the telephone service. If the error cannot be corrected, you are entitled to a price reduction or compensation.

For service disruptions, the standard compensation is at least 15 euros for each week of interruption. However, the maximum compensation can be no more than 120 euros.

You are also entitled to compensation for the damage you have suffered. Compensation is paid for loss of income and other indirect damages only if the error is due to negligence from the telecom operator. A material breach of contract gives the right to cancel the contract immediately.

Unauthorized use of telephone services

Unauthorized use of communications services may emerge, for example, if your mobile phone is stolen. You must pay for the unauthorized use of your phone only if you have been negligent. In any case, your financial responsibility ends immediately after you have notified the telecom operator of the loss of your phone, for example.

Where do I get help?

FICORA will not handle any issues concerning the contract relationship between the telecom operator and the customer or compensation. Advice and help for compensation negotiations can be requested form the consumer adviser. If necessary, you may take the dispute to the Consumer Disputes Board.
Page updated 31.03.2010 Share this page on Facebook | Print