During the second quarter of 2021 (April to June) the consumer news included the following:<\/p>\n
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Recent updates to consumer advice and information<\/strong> included Covid-19 Consumer Information<\/a> page and a warning from the National Cyber-Security Centre (NCSC) in relation to a scam message<\/a> sent through a mobile phone message. We also reminded consumers\u00a0 to be vigilant<\/a> and to be wary of returning calls to any unknown numbers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our compliance <\/strong>work resulted in a notification being issued to Virgin Media of a finding of non-compliance<\/a> under its obligations with the Universal Service Regulations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ComReg\u2019s consumer tools and resources<\/strong> were highlighted including the Outdoor Mobile Coverage Map<\/a>, where you can check predicted 2G, 3G and 4G outdoor mobile coverage and ComReg\u2019s Compare tool which can be used when considering\u00a0 unlimited data plans<\/a> and mobile plans<\/a>. We reminded consumers that our Consumer Care<\/a> team can provide you with information if you are experiencing issues with your communications service.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In respect of \u00a0research and reports<\/strong> the consumer news highlighted a study on the Impact of Covid-19 on Home Broadband and Mobile Service Usage<\/a>, the Q1 2021 Consumer line statistics report and a report on the parcel delivery sector in Ireland<\/u>.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n And finally,\u00a0 we published a call for input seeking your views on the future of postal regulation<\/a> \u00a0with a deadline for all responses due by Friday 20th August.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n During the first quarter of 2021 (January to March), the consumer news included the following:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Recent updates to consumer advice and information<\/strong> was \u00a0a key theme in Q1 2021 highlighting how to block and unsubscribe from mobile premium rate services<\/a> if you do not require them and information relating to mobile roaming and postal services in light of\u00a0 Brexit<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fraudulent SMS text messages<\/a> sent to consumers about the delivery of a packet or parcel in order to trick people also known as Smishing, or SMS phishing<\/strong>, as well as fraudulent emails<\/a> purporting to come from An Post were also a key communication along with details of a data breach at Fastway Couriers<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ComReg\u2019s consumer tools and resources<\/strong> were highlighted to ensure if consumers are looking for mobile unlimited data plans for remote school or college<\/a> know to use Compare to find unlimited data plans<\/a> and mobile data plans<\/a>.\u00a0 In addition the role of the Consumer Care team was explained and in particular how we support the vulnerable, elderly & consumers with disabilities<\/a> who may experience difficulties with their mobile, home phone or broadband provider.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In respect of research and reports<\/strong> the consumer news highlighted ComReg\u2019s study on the impact of Covid-19 on Home Broadband and Mobile Service Usage<\/a>, the Q4 2020<\/a> Consumer Line Statistics Report and the results of the latest Connectivity Survey<\/a> that shared key findings about the importance of broadband to consumers and their satisfaction and switching experiences. We also published the results of its Digital Services & Online Safety survey for Safer Internet Day<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n And finally our compliance<\/strong> work resulting in 26,000 Three PRS customers being refunded in total \u20ac824,765 was shared at Three of a finding of non-compliance<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ComReg Consumer News Q1 2021<\/h3>\n