Mobile phones risk becoming unusable
Consumers risk buying mobile phones that may soon become unusable. Therefore, the Consumer Agency is now acting to ensure that retailers inform consumers if a phone will only work on certain networks and which networks these are. At the same time, the agency issues a warning to those considering buying a mobile phone to be extra cautious.
According to the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, PTS, there are mobile phones with 4G that can be used to make regular calls, but cannot reach the emergency number 112 through the operator’s own network. According to information from the operators, it mainly concerns older and foreign-imported phones.
Due to the issue with certain models of mobiles, PTS has instructed Tele2, Telenor, and Tre to contact affected users and block these phones from their networks. Mobiles blocked according to PTS’s directives cannot be used at all for communication via the mobile network. This makes the phone essentially unusable.
Correct information to consumers
There is a risk that phones affected by the blocking are being sold. The Consumer Agency has previously highlighted the problem but now wants to emphasize that retailers have an obligation to inform consumers if the phones they sell will not work in the networks. To simplify, the operators have now committed to ensuring that retailers can access the information so that they in turn can provide correct information to consumers.
– We have had a dialogue with the operators and have come to this solution. From the Consumer Agency’s side, we are now going out with information to retailers about what applies, says Johan Ohlsson, head of unit at the Consumer Agency.
What is the advice to consumers?
– If you plan to buy a phone in the near future, the advice is to demand to know if the specific model you are interested in buying will actually work in the networks. If the retailer cannot answer the question, there remains the possibility to turn to the operators. If you buy a phone from a retailer in another country or from a private individual, you should be particularly vigilant.
– If you do not receive information from a retailer or operator, you are welcome to notify the Consumer Agency through a report.