UK's Cellular Carriers Agree to Cap Lost and Stolen Phones' Bill
The worst thing that can happen to you after you’ve lost your precious smartphone is to have the thieves rack up your data plan. If you are lucky, you will be able to recover it. If not, you’re hoping the device is on its way overseas – far from where it can get access to your mobile connectivity.
One peculiar thing about UK contracts is the ability of carriers to change monthly rates in mid-contract. Luckily, this agreement between the UK’s government and cellular carriers prevents that from happening.
In a major change to the relationship between the consumer and the mobile operators, four mobile companies – EE, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone – have agreed:
- to cap bills on a phone that has been reported lost or stolen
- to stop unexpected mid-contract price rises by ensuring total transparency for consumers at the start of contracts
- to help government in our aim to eliminate roaming charges by 2016
US users should contact their carrier immediately if a phone is lost or stolen. In most cases, you can get your contract frozen to prevent additional data charges from incurring.
