In the Americas there is an awareness of the need to enhance consumer protection while simplifying the contracting process.

Telecommunications service contracts, including fixed and mobile broadband and telephone services, must comply with regulated terms and conditions. These may include:

• use of plain language;
• clear statement of key contract terms and conditions; and
• technical characteristics of the service.

Cullen International’s latest research shows that, among 11 surveyed countries only Colombia and Peru established a standard contract model for telecoms services that was defined directly by the regulatory authority. Another eight surveyed countries establish specific requirements for adhesion contracts (contracts which offer new customers a special price or other advantages for an introductory period). Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay also require specific approval by the regulator of the contract model prepared by each individual operator.

Most of the surveyed countries apply the same rules for fixed and mobile broadband and telephone services. Canada and Paraguay established specific requirements for fixed broadband services. The United States is the only country without regulation on the matter.

Cullen International’s new Americas Telecoms benchmark shows the regulation on standard contract models, the specific requirements for adhesion contracts, and the regulation of minimum contract terms.

To access the full benchmark, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our Americas Telecoms Service.