Technical support ‘costs consumers millions’
Calls made to broadband internet technical support helplines are costing British consumers millions of pounds each year, according to recent research.
Figures compiled by uSwitch.com suggest that these phonelines now account for £31 million spent by UK consumers each year and could be adding to many people’s debt management difficulties.
Problems with broadband services often take numerous helpline calls to resolve and the resulting charges are on top of the £2.8 billion paid out by Britons each year for basic broadband supply, uSwitch.com reports.
Head of communications at the price comparison firm Steve Weller said: “It’s disheartening that broadband companies are not content with the £2.8 billion already being channeled in by customers who are simply paying to receive a service that works.
“To rake in an additional £31 million just for helping customers to resolve technical hitches is just wrong. It’s interesting that sales lines are free to call.”
Meanwhile, president of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals Patricia Godfrey recently described the extent of debt problems among young people in the UK as “very worrying”.
