According to a recent report Ofcom is planning to launch an investigation into hidden broadband and mobile charges in 2008

The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, is planning to launch an investigation into hidden charges on broadband and mobiles in the New Year, according to a recent report. Reports suggest that the investigation will be conducted to weed out these hidden charges, which are known to significantly inflate bills, and to ensure that the charges are justified and transparent.

One industry professional stated: “Although headline prices have been dropping consistently over the past few year, even to the point of TalkTalk’s pioneering ‘free broadband. ISPs have found numerous ways to boost their profits through additional charges that are only explained in the small print. I welcome Ofcom’s decision to examine this issue, and hope that it will raise consumer awareness about the additional costs they face when signing up to many broadband packages, as well as encouraging providers to be more transparent about these ‘hidden costs’.”

Broadband providers have been accused of imposing a number of hidden charges onto customers, and this includes charges for exceeding unclear download limits, charging for postage and hardware, and charging extortionate prices for calling technical helpline numbers when experiencing a problem with your broadband.

The industry professional added: “Both Virgin Media and Orange have been criticised for their premium-rate technical support lines but some providers, such as O2 have been listening to customer complaints and are offering free, UK-based technical support lines.” An Ofcom official added: “Consumers of communications services see headline prices fall, but they must not be misled. They need confidence that any additional charges are fair, transparent and justified.”

In the meantime consumers are advised to read the small print with their broadband and mobile packages to see exactly what they will and will not be charged for.