Children and mobile phones

In order to avoid problem situations, it’s good to know the basic rules governing commercial transactions on the mobile phone and the technical means for controlling costs. Operators provide their customers with several different ways of anticipating mobile phone expenses. Below is a summary of the various ways of managing children’s mobile phone costs, as well as advice for avoiding unexpected costs.

Basic rules for making purchases via a mobile phone

Children should be told about the basic rules for paying via a mobile phone. For instance, they should learn the difference between a one-off purchase and a standing subscription.

Do you know for certain from whom you are buying?

• A reliable company states its name, address and other contact data clearly. You shouldn’t deal with a mere P.O. Box address.
• If you are uncertain, test whether you can reach the company before the purchase decision (are your phone calls or e-mail messages answered).
• The bigger the purchase you are about to make, the more important it is to be certain, especially if you are making a payment in advance before receiving the product or service ordered.

Note whether you are making

• a one-off purchase
• an order that will be delivered later
• a fixed-term agreement
• a standing agreement that will be in force until further notice.

If you are making an agreement, note

• how and when you are billed
• how the agreement can be terminated
• what conditions or limitations are included in the agreement.

Has the price been given clearly and fully?

• If the price has been given, for instance, as a price per minute or as a unit price for data transfer, can you estimate the total price?
• Does the purchase involve other costs, such as monthly payments or fees for delivery and invoicing?

Check the invoicing options:

• Before or after the delivery?
• On a separate bill or on the phone bill?
• Have you got the money to pay for the purchase?
  As a payment instrument, the mobile phone is comparable to a credit card: purchases are made on credit and the bill is paid afterwards.

Contact the service provider or the operator if

• you need further information
• the product ordered does not come within the time agreed
• the product ordered is not what it was supposed to be
• you have complaints concerning an invoice.

In problem situations, you can also ask consumer advisor for advice.

Instruct children always to ask an adult for advice when they are uncertain about fee-based services ordered via mobile phone.