The telecommunications regulator, Anacom, has announced a fine of 85,000 euros imposed on Vodafone for breaching rules regarding the termination of contracts by subscribers, as outlined in the Electronic Communications Law.
This action involves instances where Vodafone failed to meet deadlines for confirming the termination of contracts and acknowledging receipt of contract termination declarations, according to the sector regulator.
The rules established by Anacom on March 9, 2012, aim to promote competition and user choice among service providers, as well as to facilitate the exercise of subscribers’ rights to terminate contracts and switch operators.
These regulations also prohibit the creation of disproportionate conditions for contract termination and overly burdensome procedures that discourage subscriber mobility, thereby ensuring that consumers can select the most suitable operator and benefit from more attractive offers in a competitive market.
Anacom highlights that the practices adopted by the company are particularly severe because they represent a violation of a legitimate order from the regulator, which was duly communicated and affect the regulation of the market in which it operates.
The regulator asserts that issues related to contract termination initiated by clients will continue to receive close monitoring to ensure compliance with applicable rules.
Meanwhile, Anacom reports that Vodafone has already filed a judicial appeal against the decision in the Competition, Regulation, and Supervision Court.
