When their mobile phone contract is coming to an end many people are already rushing to the nearest telecoms shop to choose the latest, all-singing, all-dancing handset.

But what if you are perfectly happy with the handset you have and don’t want a new one?

Should you have to keep paying monthly for an item which is already bought and paid for?

A survey of mobile phone customers in the island, carried out in June, found that most were aware that their monthly cost is broken down between their handset and their minutes, texts and data package; however there was less awareness of charges for handsets upon the expiry of a contract.

The independent online market research survey commissioned by mobile operator Sure also showed that 73% think it is unfair to be charged for their phone after their contract has expired.

Sure’s chief executive Mike Phillips said: ’We can see from this survey that awareness levels of contract charges and practices on the Isle of Man are pretty high, which indicates we have some well-informed consumers on the island.

’However, it’s also clear that more needs to be done to help islanders understand what happens at the end of their contracts and that they may well still be paying for a mobile handset that they thought they’d finished paying off long ago.

Loyalty

’This practice is clearly unfair and exploits loyal customers. Sure changed its mobile plans more than a year ago to ensure customers wouldn’t continue to be charged and we’d encourage other providers in the market to do the same in the interests of customers.’

The issue has been highlighted by organisations in the UK such as Citizens Advice and Age Concern and a spokesperson for the Isle of Man Communications Commission told the Manx Independent that Ofcom is currently looking into the matter.

The spokesperson added: ’The Communications Commission is monitoring the consumer engagement piece of work being carried out by the UK regulator, Ofcom.

’As part of that, Ofcom expects to issue a consultation containing proposals in the near future.

’The Commission is also aware that Sure now automatically moves customers onto SIM only contracts at the end of the contract period once the handset cost is repaid, and that both local operators currently notify customers as mobile contracts are coming to an end.

Whilst these are both positive for Isle of Man consumers, the Commission will be closely monitoring the proposals from Ofcom once they are announced.’

Stephen Kane, head of product, consumer and corporate at Manx Telecom, said: ’We communicate with all our Pay Monthly customers and advise them when their existing mobile agreement is due to end.

’We offer them an opportunity to subscribe to our very latest Pay Monthly offers and smartphone deals.

’Customers are free to take one of our great value handset-included or SIM-only offers up to one month prior to the end of their current agreement.

’Customers reaching the end of their agreement are also free to switch onto Pay As You Go.

’They may also choose to continue with their existing handset on their current tariff. We are always flexible and transparent with our customers and strive to ensure they receive the best value service.’