Many people will have received a gift of a mobile phone over the festive period.
It is important to remember your rights with regards to the product itself as well as the contract that you might have with the Network Service Provider.
The same law applies to a mobile phone as to any other product which you might buy as a consumer.
That means the mobile phone must be of satisfactory quality and fit for the purpose for which it was bought. It should also be as described.
If your mobile phone has a minor problem it is reasonable to accept a repair which should restore it to a satisfactory condition.
If the mobile phone that you have has a fault which cannot be economically repaired, then you are entitled to a refund or alternatively, you may request a replacement.
The trader may make a reduction from the price you paid to allow for the use that you have had for the phone.
If you are out of pocket in any other way you can be compensated for that over and above the cost of the phone.
Remember it is the seller's responsibility to sort the problem with the phone, not the manufacturer.
Problems can also occur with your Network Service Provider when you enter into a contract that allows you access to the network.
If you enter into the contract and then change your mind then you have no rights. You are in a contract.
If the service that you contract to does not meet what it was supposed to meet then you may be entitled to a refund or compensation.
Similarly, if there is a fault with the network or with the Sim Card, you should be entitled to compensation.
Before entering into a contract it is essential to read and understand the terms and conditions of your agreement with the Network Service Provider.
It is important to remember that you have 7 days to cancel a contract for goods ordered by mail order, internet, fax or telephone.
If you bought the mobile phone on your credit card then you may be able to claim against the finance company.
It is also important to remember that you have basic rights as a consumer and any contract that you entered into cannot restrict these rights.
