NEW ZEALAND COMMERCE COMMISSION : Vodafone pays hefty price for ...
20.05.13
Charges, Vodafone had
not acted on concerns raised with the level of seriousness
required, even though it had the technology and resources
to do so.
"Prior to the Commission bringing charges against Vodafone
in 2009, we had a significant number of public complaints
about Vodafone's various mobile phone and mobile broadband
advertising campaigns. At the time, mobile data and phone
packages were relatively new to the market. Customers have
no easy way of verifying the claims being made for products
like this. This case reinforces that companies need to be
especially careful that their marketing materials for new
products are not likely to mislead," said Stuart Wallace,
Competition Manager.
"In issuing these penalties the court has recognised that
Vodafone's actions caused significant detriment to
consumers and competitors," said Mr Wallace. "Today's
outcome concludes what has been a long-running case for the
Commission and we are glad to finally have a resolution. In
addition to the penalties imposed by the Court, Vodafone
has incurred significant costs in relation to the case as
well as unwanted negative publicity. The Commission is
hopeful that the outcome of the case will provide a
significant deterrent to others."
Source: 4-traders
