Munster Express Online

Fine Gael’s Waterford bye-election candidate Senator Paudie Coffey has welcomed the decision by ComReg which found that O2 is not in compliance with its licensing conditions and statutory obligations with respect to e-billing and that it must continue to supply paper bills to customers unless otherwise stated.

“This is a decision that I very much welcome, as I raised the issue some months ago. It is grossly unfair for a company like O2 to try and enforce e-billing on their customers”, commented Senator Coffey.

He explained “For many O2 customers it may be completely unsuitable to receive statements in electronic form only as they may not have ready access to a computer, may be uncomfortable accessing information in this way or may simply be in an area of poor, or worse still no, broadband coverage making it near impossible to access relevant information”.

ComReg’s decision, Coffey insists “will safeguard the legitimate preferences and interests of consumers’ right around the country”.

“This is a victory for consumers and shows that they will not be bullied into unfair and opaque billing procedures. Consumers should be given the option when it comes to how they receive their bills. Those who wish to get their bills in an electronic format should be facilitated in doing so but forcing everyone, irrespective of circumstances, is unfair. This decision is a positive one for O2 customers”, concluded Coffey.