August 19, 2008
Vodafone hikes mobile phone call prices
Giant mobile phone operator Vodafone has announced that it will increase the prices of its pay-as-you-go rates by around 30%.
Millions of British consumers, who are already under considerable financial pressure from the credit crunch, now face being hit with a sudden increase in mobile call charges. The mobile industry appears to be following the energy industry and major food retailers in adopting widespread price-hiking practices.
Vodafone, which currently has around 11 million pay-as-you-go customers, will increase its call charges from 15p to 20p per minute. Contract customers have not escaped the price increase and will see their charges rise from 12p to 15p per minute if they exceed their agreed monthly limits. The changes are expected to take place in September.
The price increases come as the EU raised concerns about consumers being forced to pay excessive mobile phone charges whilst abroad