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Mobile Ringtones Sites Investigated by EU

Mobile Ringtones Sites Investigated by EU The European Union has investigated complaints made by mobile phone consumers regarding sites selling ringtones and other mobile services, leading to tighter regulations and certain site closures.

In total, 301 websites were examined after complaints were made by phone customers across Europe about issues including the lack of clear pricing and being misled into thinking ringtones were free. Of the mobile services sites investigated, 54 were closed down and 159 were required to make improvements.

More than 50 per cent of the sites were aimed at children. As many as 41 per cent of all the phone services websites were highlighted for dubious pricing – some did not mention the price until it was detailed on the customer’s mobile phone statement, while others hid the details in contract small print.

An incredible 75 per cent of the websites had no contact details so customers could not even make a complaint. This lack of information is against EU law.

EU consumer commissioner, Meglena Kuneva said: “Young people should not have to fall victim to scams like misleading advertising that lure them into ringtone subscriptions they thought were free. Parents should not find nasty surprises in their phone bill, when their children by accident have signed up to more than they have bargained for.”

The BBC reported that the sales of ringtones make up approximately 29 per cent of the mobile phone services market in Europe. In 2007, the sales of mobile ringtones amounted to about €691 million (£613 million).

The investigation by the EU is ongoing to ensure mobile phone customers know exactly what they are paying when they purchase ringtones.


Industry News posted by Marilyn on 18 November 2009

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