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Q1. What is Price Comparison Accreditation?

The Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme provides quality assurance that the calculation of price comparisons of fixed line, mobile, broadband and digital television services offered by accredited companies are accessible, accurate, transparent and comprehensive. The price accreditation scheme gives consumers confidence and reassurance in a market where finding the best deal can be an often confusing and sometimes daunting experience.

Companies can apply to Ofcom for accreditation of their price comparison services and may be accredited by Ofcom following an audit of their service. Once accredited these companies can display the Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme logo on their websites.

Q2. Which companies have been accredited?

On 3rd July 2008, Ofcom accredited the first two companies under the Scheme. Simplify Digital (www.simplifydigital.co.uk) and BroadbandChoices (www.broadbandchoices.co.uk).

Both companies price comparison calculators were audited by Ofcom’s independent auditor and Ofcom has deemed that the calculators are fit for accreditation under the Scheme.

Ofcom is keen to talk to other companies providing price comparison information about them possibly seeking accreditation for the benefit of consumers.

Q3. What does accreditation mean to consumers?

Consumers will be able to contact accredited companies under the Scheme and feel assured that the information on prices of fixed line, mobile, broadband and digital television, or bundles of these services is accurate, comprehensive, up to date and accessible.

Only the method of calculating and presenting such prices, the price comparison calculator, is accredited under the Scheme. The accreditation does not extend to other activities of the company.

Accredited companies should make their price comparison information accessible to all consumers. These companies may do this by providing comparative prices online, over the phone or in writing to ensure that consumers seeking information on prices can do so by a variety of different contact methods.

Q4. I have a disability, which means I can’t access information easily from websites – how can I get information about how to switch provider?

As part of the audit process prior to awarding accreditation, Ofcom assessed the methods of providing information to consumers with a variety of disabilities and access needs. Both BroadbandChoices and Simplify Digital, who have been accredited, provide information online, over the telephone and in writing.

The websites are compliant with Disability Discrimination Act regulations and have been tailored to cater for consumers with vision impairment and are written in plain english. Both websites also consulted the Royal National Institute for the Blind (www.rnib.org.uk) and Royal National Institute for the Deaf (www.rnid.org.uk) for guidance on accessibility for vision and hearing impaired consumers. Both companies also offer consumers the choice of switching over the telephone or in writing.

Q5. Where can I find information about switching my communications provider?

Consumers can contact either of the two accredited companies we have just accredited and feel assured that they are receiving information on switching and price that meets the regulators standards.

Ofcom is the independent regulator of communications services in the UK, therefore Ofcom does not provide consumers with specific information on switching providers or the prices of communications services. But as consumers are increasingly seeking accurate, up to date, comprehensive and accessible information on switching, Ofcom has established its Price Accreditation Scheme to address this need.

Q6. I want to switch provider – how can I find out what is the best deal for me?

There are numerous price comparison sites available online that provide information on the prices of fixed telephone, mobile, broadband and Digital TV. However, there are only two companies that have so far been accredited under the Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme.

Consumers can contact either Simplify Digital (www.simplifydigital.co.uk) or BroadbandChoices (www.broadbandchoices.co.uk) and ask for prices of these services or bundles of these services and can be assured that these companies offer accurate, comprehensive, up to date information on prices in an accessible format.

Q7. There are lots of websites saying that they provide the best price comparison service – how can I get information about how to switch provider?

As the independent regulator for communications services in the UK, Ofcom does not give specific recommendations on products or packages provided by communications providers.

However, you may wish to go online and use the price comparison calculators provided by BroadbandChoices (www.broadbandchoices.co.uk) or Simplify Digital (www.simplifydigital.co.uk). Both of these companies are accredited under the Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme.

Q8. I want to find out if I’m paying more than I should for my broadband service – what is the best way to do that?

You can speak to any number of broadband providers or use one of the many price comparison services available online.

However, if you are seeking assurance that you are getting the most up to date, accurate, comprehensive and accessible information on price that has been accredited by Ofcom, speak to either Simplify Digital (www.simplifydigital.co.uk) or BroadbandChoices (www.broadbandchoices.co.uk).

Q9. Does this mean that companies who aren’t accredited by Ofcom aren’t accurate?

Ofcom understands that consumers need reassurance when obtaining accurate and up to date prices for communications services. By speaking with a company accredited under the Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme, consumers can trust that the prices for these services are provided by a company that has been audited by Ofcom, the independent regulator for communications services in the UK.

There are other numerous companies that provide price comparison services for consumers. At this stage, only two companies have successfully applied for and been granted accreditation. Ofcom welcomes applications for accreditation from other price comparison companies.

Q10. What is Ofcom doing to ensure accredited companies remain accurate?

Companies accredited under the Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme must undergo an annual audit conducted by Ofcom. The companies must also notify Ofcom of any material changes to their price calculator or how they provide information on prices.

Ofcom may also at any time conduct spot checks on the quality and accuracy of the information being provided by accredited websites. If we find that any accredited company no longer meets the terms of the accreditation agreement Ofcom will withdraw accreditation.

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